CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHY. . 



Men of Mark 



CUMBERLAND VALLEY, PA. 



1776^1876. 



ALFRED NEVIN. D. D., LL. D. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

FULTON PUli LI SUING COMPANY 
1876. 



<^ 



G^ 






U812 



COPYRIGHT SECURED, 1875. 




Paf'ei- iiuide at Inijuirtr Ptifcr Mills. 
iiU-dat Inquirer Rook and 7"^ Prmtmg Office. 
Hound at Im/uirer Biiidety. 
Oj/icc. 304 Chtstnut Street. Philadelphia^ 



U 



^/'// 



INDEX 



PAGE 

HISTORICAL SKETCH '^-■'- 



AGXEW, COLONEL JAMES --^l 

AGXEW, REV. DR. JOHX HOLMES 3''''3 

AGXEW, SAMUEL, M. D -'« 

ALLEN, WILLIAM HENRY, M. D., LL. D -^'^ 

ALLISON, REV. DR. PATRICK 3^2 

ARMSTRONG, GEN. JOHN, SR "' 

ARMSTi;ONG, GEN. JOHN, JR «+ 

ARMSTRONG, JAMES, M. D l"-^ 

AUDENREID, COL. JOSEPH GRAIN, tl. S. A..... ■■■'' 

BOGGS, JOHN, M. D -': 

BROWNSON, REV. DR. JAMES I i"' 

BUCHANAN, HON. JAMES...' -'i 

BUCHANAN, REV. JAMES •^'- 

CATHCAltT, REV. DR. ROBERT "« 

CRAIGHEAD, REV. THOMAS -"'ii 

CRAIGHEAD, REV. JOHN ^'' 

GRAIN, COL. RICHARD M '■''' 

CRAWFORD, EDWARD -'" 

CRAWFORD, MAJOR GENERAL SAMUEL WYLIE -i-^'' 

CRAWFORD, REV. DR. SAMUEL WYLIE 1"" 

CRAWFORD, WILLIAM, M. D 107 

CHAMBERS. GEORGE, LL. D I'ii' 

CHAMBERS, BENJAMIN 5.1 

CREIGH, REV. DR. THOMAS 281 

CULBERTSON, SxVMUEL DTTXGAN, M. D 2SH 

CULBERTSON, REV. MATTHEW SIMPSON ^71 

DAVIDSON, REV. DR. ROBERT, SR 112- 

DAVIDSON, REV. DR. ROBERT, JR 341 

DE.NNY, REV. DAVID 133 

DJENNY, MAJOR EBENEZER 92 

DUFFIELD, REV. DR. GEORGE 87 

DUNCAN, HON. THOMAS 2(H 

DUNLOP, JAMES 373 

ELLIOTT, DAVID, D. D., LL. D ]«<) 

ELLIOTT, COM. JES.SE DUNCAN, U. S. N 21!) 

ELLIOTT, MAJOR GENERAL WASHINGTON L., U. S. A *•« 

FINDLAY, HON. WILLIAM l''l 

FINLEY, GENERAL CLEMENT A ■i-17 

FISHER, REV. DR. SAMUEL R 3,-.(i 

FO.STER, ALFRED, M. D 2.iT 

FULLERTON, HON. DAVID 217 

(ilBSOX, HON. JOHN BANNISTER, LL. D 13'> 

GRAHAM, HON. JAMES HUTCHINSON :i27 

GRIER, HON. ROBERT COOPER air. 

GUSTINE, LEMUEL, M. D 251 

HAMILTON, HON. JAMES 213 

HARBAUGH, REV. DR. HENRY 3S3 

IIERRON, REV. DR. FRANCIS 114 

JOHNSTON, ROBERT, M. D 177 

JUNKIN, CAPTAIN JOHN 102 

JUNKIN, JOSEPH ISd 

JUNKIN, GEORGE, D. D., LL. I) lii.". 

KAUFMAN, HON. DAVID SPANG LER 402 

KENNEDY, REV. ROBERT 1(17 

(iii) 



IV INDEX. 

KENNEDY, REV. .JOllX II ^■''?:^'- 

KENNEDY, THOMAS B ,,1 

KING, JOHN 7r' 

KNOX, KEV. DI! JOHN il, 

KKEBS, REV, DK. JOHN MICHAEI ;.„ 

LAIRD, REV. DR. FRANCIS ' i ^'f,, 

LANE, N. B., M. D -**2 

LIXN, REV. JOHN -•'' 

McCAKRELL, REV. DK JOSEPH ".".. ''l^ 

MCCLELLAND, HON. R. M -35 

McCLURE, COLONEL ALEXANDER KELLy! ^?^ 

McCONAUGHY, D., D. D., LL I) •*^" 

McCOSKRY, RT. rev. SAMUEL A. ...■.■.■.■.■.■.'.'. ^:",' 

McCULLOH, HON. THOMAS GRrBH '*"^ 

McCULLOUGH, REV. DR. JOHN \\ ... .'. 'i^^ 

McELROY, REV. DR. JOSEPH ■'-" 

McGILL, ALEXAXDER TAGGAR'I' d'dVll'd hT 

McGINLEY, REV. DR. AMOS A.... •"■' 

McKIBBIN, GENERAL D. B -""' 

-McKINLEY, rev. dr. DANIEL "' 

McKXIGHT, REV. DR. JOHN ■^•'^ 

McLANAHAN, HON. JAMES X -'■* 

MCPHERSON, HON. EDWARD •'*' 

MOODEY, REV. JOHN •*«" 

MOORE, 1:EV. dr. THOMAS VER.VER ^i^ 

NEVIN, MAJOR DAVID •''•' 

NEVIN, JOHN W1LLIAM.SON, D. D., Ll!' T) ?,?? 

NISBET, REV. DK. CHARLES -9'' 

PENROSE, HON. CHARLES BI.\(HIAM^ "*** 

PENROSE, RICHAliD ALEXAXDER P., m' iVlL "d ■??'' 

PENROSE, COL. WILLIAM McFI'XX...... " -iV* 

POMEROY, JOSEPH ^■^■' 

POMEROY, MAJOR JOHN M •''" 

RANKIN, WILLIAM, M. D . ■*!'* 

RANKIN, DAVID NEVIX. M. D . .. ' V •^•'•' 

RAVCH, REV. DR. FREDERICK .vrGT'STfs o'Jt 

REED, HON. JOHN, LL. D. . 338 

RICHAltDS, JOHN CUSTIS, M. I).'.". -»« 

RITXER, HOX. JOSEPH *"-' 

SANDERSON, HON. (iEORGE ^*' 

SCHNECK, REV. DR. BENJAMIX SHRODER ^HH 

SCOTT, COLOX'EL THO.MAS A.. . '■*' 

SENSENY, A. H., M. D ■*«• 

STEWART, JOHN "l-" 

SHARP, REV. DR. ALEXANDER..'. ■*"! 

SMITH, FREDERICK --"' 

SNODGKASS, WILLIAM T '.'. -''< 

SNOWDEN, ISAAC WAYNE, M. I) ^•'■- 

SNOWDEN, JAMES ROSS, LL. I) *^1 

SPEER, REV. WILLIAM. *• •'»' 

STEEL, REV. JOHN -0- 

STEVEX.S, HOX. THADDEUS '. '} ' 

THOMPSOX, REV. SAMUEL ''Ol.'. 

THOMSOX, HOX. ALEXAXDER, LL. i')!I.'.".' .'f! 

THOMSOX, WILLIAM, M. D ^-'- 

THOMSOX, FRAXK -l^X 

WATTS, DAVID *-^- 

WATTS, HOX. FREDERICK .'.'...'.' ''* 

WATTS, HOX. HEXRY M -'il, 

WEIR, JAMES WALLACE .'.' 'W^ 

WILKINS, HON. WILLIAM -'ii 

WILLIAMS, REV. DR JOSHUA '. •. ]"''. 

WILSOX, KEV. DK. HEXRY R 3(' 

WILLIAM.SON, HUGH, M. D, F. R S !"■♦ 

WIXG, REV. DR. CONWAY PHELPS . ,*!" 

WHITEHILL, ROBERT ■*(.(, 

WOODS, ItEV. DR. JAMES S '.■..■.' '.' J.'f 

WOODS, RICHARD 2(>1 

WOODS, DAVID FLAVEL, M. D "■".■ 33.T 

YOUNG, I!EV. DR. JOIIX CLAI!KE 'ti .' 



3-^0 



PREFACE. 




N placing this work before the pubHc, the author needs not 
to be told of its imperfections. Any one, however, attempting" 
the same task, would in all probability find equal reason for 
confession of defectiveness. Much of the volume consists of material 
drawn from the distant and unwritten past, and there are few things of 
more difficult and delicate execution, than to get access to such 
material in its floating shape, and present it in an accurate and attractive 
form. All that can reasonably be expected is, that he who enters upon 
such an undertaking, will do the best he can in the circumstances, and 
this the author is quite sure can be affirmed of Iiis effort. 

His inability to embrace in the book a much larger number of 
biographical sketches has occasioned him sincere regret. No district 
ot our broad, beautiful, and blessed country has furnished more rep- 
resentati\'e men — men distinguished for their ability, integrity and 
influence — than Cumberland Valley. Such, and such only, has he 
aimed, or been willing, to put on record, and it would have been a real 
gratification to include many more of them than are embraced in this 
work, had not the limited space precluded such possibility, and made 
a necessity even for laying aside some sketches that had been prepared, 
and were justly entitled to publication. And the disappointment grow- 
ing out of this desired gratification is intensified by the fact that some, 
eminently worthy of notice, and whom he would gladly have welcomed 
to these pages, would not consent to occupy a place in them either for 
themselves or friends, from motives of indifference or delicacy, which, 
though of course entitled to respect, are none the less to be deplored 
in the result to which thev have led. 

(V) 



vi " PREFACE. 

It was the author's design to have the sketches inserted, if possible, 
in chronological order, but this could not be done on account of the irre- 
gularity with which they came into his possession. Their length was 
not in every case under his control, and where brevity was observed, a 
compensation in directness and comprehensiveness was aimed at. In 
view of the ancient boundaries of the region, and its connection with 
contiguous districts by ecclesiastical and political arrangements, several 
persons are sketched who were not, or are not, citizens ot the valley. 
Special acknowledgment of aid in preparing the book, is gratefully 
made to S. G. Lane, M. D., A. Brady .Sharp, Esq., S. R. Fisher, D. D., 
C. P. Wing, D. D., J. R. Snowden, LL. D., and Hon. Edward 
McPherson. The "Historical .Sketch" was written with much care, 
and will, it is hoped, in correctness and completeness, be found con- 
venient for reference. .Should the present edition of fifteen hundred 
copies of the work prove insufficient for the demand, a second may 
possibly be issued. 

The author has felt compelled to decline the complimentary request 
of several distinguished, but too partial friends, that a sketch of himself, 
which they would prepare, should have a place in his book. As, 
however, most persons wish to know something of one who stands thus 
related to the volume which tliey read, the following brief statement 
may be admissible: He was born in Shippensburg, of a parentage 
elsewhere noticed in this work. At a very early age he graduated at 
Jefferson College. In 1837, he received the degree of L. B. from the 
Law .School of Dickinson College, and was admitted to the bar of 
Carlisle. After three years' study at the Western Theological .Seminary, 
he was licensed by the Presbytery of Carlisle, in 1840, to preach the 
Gospel. His first charge was "The Grove Church," Lancaster county. 
During this pastorate, (in 1S41,) he married Sarah, youngest daughter 
of the Hon. Robert Jenkins, of Windsor Place, in the county just 
named, eminent as an iron master, and for a term or two Representa- 
tive of his district in Congress. Subsequently he preached in Chambers- 
burg for seven years, in Lancaster city for five years, and then re- 
moved to Philadelphia, where he established the Alexander Presby- 
terian Churcli, which ht? served for several years. Retiring from this 
pulpit, he enterctl ujion the career of editing and authorshij). He 



PREFACE. vli 

originated, and, until impaired health demanded temporary respite 
from labour, edited the " Presbyterian Standard," and, afterward, the 
" Presbyterian Weekly." The principal books from his pen are, " The 
Christian's Rest," "Spiritual Progression," "Churches of the Valley," 
"Guide to the Oracles," "Words of Comfort," "Notes on Exodus," "The 
Age Question; or, a Plea for Christian Union," "The Voice of God," 
and "Popular Commentary on the Gospels and Acts." 

In the preparation of the work now sent forth at the close of an 
eventful century, the author has found great delight, as historiographer, 
irt dealing with the honored living and the lamented dead of his native 
valley, to which he is attached by so many strong and tender ties. And 
he now yields the book to the friends of those whose names it has 
drawn from the past, or shall transmit to the future, with an earnest 
desire that it may impart corresponding interest to tlicm, as well as 
stimulate the coming generations of Old Cumberland to an emulation 
of the sterling virtues of those who have so worthily preceded them in 
the grand and solemn marcli of life. 

Philadelphia, ya«/^(ZAv \st, 1876. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 



The Province of Pennsylvania owes its name to an honourable recognition of otificial 
merit. It was so called by Charles II, in honour of Sir William Pcnn, an eminent 
Admiral of the English Navy, who, at his death, left claims of considerable amount 
against the Crown for his services. The following letter, in reference to this event, 
from William Penn, son of the distinguished naval officer to whom this high compliment 
was paid, and founder of the Province, is not without historic interest. We give it in 
its original form, with the exception of a few orthographical corrections. 

jth of jst Mo., 1681. 
To Robert Turner. 

Dear Friend : 

Aly true love in the Lord salutes thee, and dear friends that love the Lord's 
ptecious truth in those parts. Thine I have, and for my business here, know that after 
many luaitings, watchings, solicitings and disputes in council, this day tny country has con- 
firmed to me under the great seal of England, with large powers and privileges, by the 
name of Pennsylvania, a name the king would give it in honour of mv father. I chose 
NEvsf Wales, being, as this, a pretty hilly country, but Penn being Welsh for a head, as 
Penmanmoire in Wales, and Penrith in Cumberland, arid Penn /// Buckinghamshire, 
the highest land in England, called this Pennsylvania, which is the high or head wood- 
lands, for 1 proposed when the Secretary — a Welshman — refused to have it called New 
Wales, Sylvania, and they added Penn to it, and though I much opposed it, and went to 
the king to have it struck out and altered, he said 'twas past, and would take it upon him, 
nor could twenty guineas move the under secretaries to vary the name, for I feared lest it 
should be looked on as a vanity in me, and not as a respect in the king, as it truly raas to 
my father, whotn he often tnentioned with praise. Thou mayest communicate mv grant to 
friends, and expect shortly tny proposals : 'tis a clear and Just thing, and my God that has 
given it me through many difficulties will, I believe, bless and make it the seed of a nation. 
I shall have a tender care to the government, that it will be well laid at first : no more 
now, but dear love in truth. 

Thy true friend, 

W. PENN. 

Charter Confirmed. 

The charter of the grant here mentioned, was in due time confirmed by the royal 
proclamation. The assent of the Duke of York, then the proprietor of all " New 
Netherlands," (as the. lower part of the Province had been called,) and that of Lord 
Baltimore, whose possessions joined on the south, had been obtained to the provisions 
of the charter, and Lord North, then Lord Chief Justice, was careful to add several clauses 
in favor of the king's prerogative, and the parliament's right of taxation. The extent of 
the Province was three degrees of latitude in breadth, by five degrees of longitude in length, 

15) 



6 MEN OF MARK. 

tlie eastern boundary being tlie Delaware river, the northern "the beginning of the 
three and fortieth degree of northern latitude, and on the south a circle drawn at 
twelve miles distance from New Castle, northward and westward unto the beginning of 
the fortieth degree of northern latitude, and then by a straight line westward to the 
limits of longitude above mentioned." Emanuel Bowman, who was Geographer to his 
Majesty, King of England, says in his "Geography," which was printed at London, 
1747, — " The Province contained all that tract of land in America, with all the islands 
belonging to it, from the beginning of the fortieth to the forty-third degree of north 
latitude, whose eastern bounds, from twelve miles above New Castle, otherwise Delaware 
town, run all along upon the side of the Delaware river — these bounds and extent were 
set down in the original grant, but Mr. Penn having afterwards obtained part of Nova 
Belgia from the Duke of York, it was added to the country given in the _/frj-/ grant, so 
that it extends now to the thirty-eighth degree and fifty-five minutes north latitude." 
Penn at once saw the importance of having the title and jurisdiction of the three lower 
counties (Delaware), which constituted, as it were, a vestibule to his Province, and 
hence the wisdom of his policy in obtaining a grant of them from the Duke, " together 
with all the royalties and jurisdictions thereunto belonging." 

Soon after the charter was obtained for the tract of land in the new world, the pro- 
prietor published "certain conditions or concessions" to adventurers, drew up a form 
of government, and a code of laws, all bearing the stamp of his benevolent mind, and 
sent forward his kinsman, William Markham, with three shii)sand a number of planters, 
to take possession of the country, and prepare for the reception of a larger number of 
colonists. Many persons, principally Quakers, were induced to emigrate. An associa- 
tion was formed at London and Bristol, the "Free Society of Traders," who purchased 
lands, with a view both to agricultural settlement and for the establishment of manufac- 
tories, and for carrying on the lumber trade and whale fisherie;s- 

Arrival ok Penn. 
Having carefully adjusted his preliminary plans, Penn took an affectionate leave of 
his family and friends, and sailed for Pennsylvania, in the ship Welcome, on the 30th 
August, 1682. Near a hundred colonists accompanied him, many of whom died of 
small-pox during the voyage. At length, after a long passage, the gallant ship anchored 
at New Castle, and the eager colonists, of every nation, tongue and people — English, 
Dutch, Swedes — hastened to welcome the beloved proprietor. He addressed the magis- 
trates and people, setting forth his designs, and assured them of his intentions to main- 
tain their spiritual and temporal rights, liberty of conscienee, and civil freedom. At 
Uijland, (now Chester,) he convened the Assembly, and made known his plans and 
benevolent designs. The Assembly tendered their grateful acknowledgments. The 
Swedes deputed Lacy Cock to inform him that " they would love, serve and obey him. 
with all they had," declaring " it was the best day they ever saw." At this Assembly, 
which continued only three days, an Act of Union was passed, annexing the three lower 
counties to the Province. The frame of government, with some alterations, was 
accepted and confirmed, the laws agreed upon in England, with some changes, were 
passed in form, and the Dutch, Swedes and other foreigners, were received to the privi- 
leges of citizenship. Penn had been careful, on sending out his deputy, Markham, to 
enjoin upon him and his colonists to deal amicably with the Indians, and soon after his 
own arrival he held the memorable interview with the native chiefs under the great elm 
at Shackamaxon, now Kensington. No authentic record has been preserved of this 
treaty, yet there is every reason to believe that its object was not the purchase of lands, 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 7 

but the establishment of a lasting covenant of love and h i^iiLLIiip between the aborigines 
and Penn. " Under the shelter of the forest," says Bancroft, "now leafless by the 
frosts of Autumn, Penn proclaimed to the men of the Algonquin race, from both 
banks of the Delaware, from the borders of the Schuylkill, and, it may have been, even 
from the Susquehanna, the same simple message of peace and love which George Fox had 
professed before Cromwell, and Mary Fisher had borne to the Grand Turk. The Eng- 
lish and the Indian should respect the same moral law, should be alike secure in their 
pursuits and possessions, and adjust every difference by a peaceful tribunal, composed 
of an equal number of men from each race. " The intercourse of Penn with the Indians 
was ever, indeed, marked by the strictest justice, and by a most commendable generosity. 
He might, on the world's maxim that " might makes right," have asserted aclaim to the 
soil granted him by the charter he had received. Nor would it then have much 
damaged his character if he had done so, for a principle had obtained in Europe, that 
a newly discovered country belonged to the nation whose people first discovered it. 
Eugene IV, and Alexander VI, successively granted to Portugal and Spain all the 
countries possessed by infidels, which should be occupied by the industry of their 
subjects, and subdued by the force of their arms. But the noble Quaker was influenced 
by "the higher law." As has been remarked, with an eloquence equal to that of the 
author just quoted, " he was influenced by a purer morality, and sounder policy, than 
\\y3X prevailing principle which actuated the more sordid. His religious principle did 
not permit him to wrest the soil of Pennsylvania by force from the people to whom 
God and nature gave it, nor to establish his title in blood, but under the shade of the 
lofty trees of the forest, his right was fixed by treaties with the natives, and sanctified, 
as it were, by smoking from the calumet of j«ace."* 

Immigration Increasing. 

As the advantages offered to settlers by the Province of Pennsylvania became more 
and more known, emigrants from other countries in evergrowing numbers were attracted. 
" It was recommended by its free and constitutional government — by the character of 
its fundamental laws, adopted and established by the first emigrants to its territory^its 
fertile soil, salubrious and temperate climate — its adaptation to a large and rural popula- 
tion, with advantages for trade, commerce and manufactures. The dissatisfaction pre- 
vailing with large classes of intelligent, industrious and enterprising men, under several 
of the European governments, directed their attention to the American colonies, and by 
men of this character Pennsylvania was more generally preferred for their abode, after 
the organization of its government, "f 

It does not admit of question, however, that the speedy and large increase of popula- 
tion within the limits of the Province, is mainly to be attributed to the religious tolera- 
tion which was secured to the colony, by its charter and fundamental enactments. 

"What sought they thus afar? 

Bright jewels of the mine? 
The wealth ofseas, the spoils of war? 

They sought a faith's pure shrine 
Ay, call it holy ground, 

The soil where first they trod I 
They have left unstained what there they found — 

Freedom to worship God." 



* Smith's Laws of Pennsylvania, ii, 105. 

■j- "A Tribute to the Principles, Virtues, Habits and Public Usefulness of the Irish and Scotch Early Settlers of Penitsylvania i 
by the Hon. George Chambers," from which we have derived important aid in writing this article. 



8 MEN OF MARK. 

The persecution of the Quakers and other religious denominations, during the reign 
of Charles II, and es])ecial)y during that of his successor, tlie intolerance exercised by 
the Papists over the Protestants of Europe, and the overbearing or persecuting spirit, on 
religious accounts, in many of the other colonies, as contrasted with the liberality of the 
Quakers of Pennsylvania, wlio were disposed to open their arms to all denominations of 
professing Christians who might be inclined to settle among them, induced the flocking 
of men by tens, by hundreds, and by thousands, to a place where man pretended not to 
assume the prerogatives of Dcit}', nor judge, condemn, and punish in His stead. 

Scotch Irish. 

Of those who migrated hither from the north of Ireland, the greater number, or their 
ancestors, had formerly removed from Scotland. But they were treated, after a short 
residence in Ireland, with much ingratitude and neglect, and hence they sought refuge 
in America. The Earls of Tyrone and Tyrconnel, in the Province; of Ulster, having 
conspired against the government in the reign of James the First, fled from the kingdom to 
escape punishment. Some of their accomplices were arrested, condemned and executed, 
but the two Earls were attainted by a process of outlawry, upon which their vast estates, 
about five hundred thousand acres of land, escheated to the crown. King James 
resolved, if possible, to improve a country that was covered by woods, desolated by 
war, infested by robbers, or inhabited by ignorant adherents to the Romish Church. 
For this purpose he divided the escheated lands into small tracts, and those he gave to 
adventurers, who were to settle them within four years, with a certain number of sub- 
tenants. According to his advice, the preference was given, in distributing the lands, 
to adventurers from the west of Scotland. They were Protestants from his own country. 
They were industrious people, and the passage being very short, they might, with the 
greater ease, settle the lands according to their contracts. The establishment of prelacy 
in Scotland, in the year 1637, and afterwards in the year 1661, among people who had 
adopted the more simple form of Presbyterian worship, became the additional cause of 
numerous emigrations from that kingdom to the North of Ireland. 

The superior knowledge, industry, and temperance of the Scotch farmers, in a short 
time enabled them to supplant the natives aniong whom they lived, and six of the 
northern counties, by the end of the seventeenth century, were chiefly inhabited by the 
descendants of Scottish emigrants, or the remains of Cromwell's army. That Protestant 
colony has been the chief support of government against all attempts to establish a 
Catholic prince, by treason, insurrection, or murder. Those men have been the steady 
and active supporters of the Hanover succession. Their faithful services, and uniform 
attachment to government, had placed them in the rank of good and faithful subjects, 
and their unshaken loyalty had entitled them to confidence and public favour. But 
they were treated like aliens and strangers, with marks of distrust in their civil capacity, 
and they were depressed in their religious capacity, by the spirit of intolerance, because 
they were not of the established church of Ireland. Men who were thus degraded and 
vexed by incapacities and burdens, migrated in thousands to Pennsylvania, in which 
they knew the principles of civil and religious liberty had their full operation. Their 
first settlements were in Bucks county, but chiefly in the territory which, in 1729, was 
organized into the county of Lancaster. Settlements were made in it about 171 7, on 
Octorara creek, and about the same time, or earlier, in Pequea, and in 1722 in Donegal 
and Paxton. About 1737, quite a number of these emigrants located themselves in the 
northwestern part of York county, on the water of Tom's and Marsh creek, (now Adams 
county.) 



HISTORICAL SKETCH g 

English. 
" In England, ever since the memorable St. Bartholorhew's day, all eyes had been 
anxiously directed to the Trans-Atlantic settlements, notwithstanding they were as yet a 
wilderness, and while some fled to Holland, a great number, together with many of the 
ejected ministers, betook themselves to New England, Pennsylvania, and other American 
plantations. In Scotland, fines, imprisonments, and whippings, were abundant from 
1662, when the Act of Conformity was passed, until 1688, when the Act of Toleration 
gave relief under the Presbyterian Prince of Orange. The Western and Southern 
counties, which, according to Hume, were tlie most populous and thriving, were the 
most obnoxious, and the severity of the persecutions surpassed, in the judgment of 
Bishop Burnet, the merciless rigours of the Duke of Alva. Many sold their estates and 
crossed over to the Scots of Ulster, where, for a time, unrestricted liberty was allowed. 
But the arm of intolerance soon followed them to this retreat, and the hunted-down non- 
conformists felt that they had no resource short of absolute expatriation. In order that 
the fury of the prelates might have full sweep, the Presbyterians and their ejected 
ministers were forbidden to fly into Scotland to avoid it. Of these ejected ministers, 
both in Scotland and Ireland, Wodrow gives a catalogue amounting to four hundred."* 

Classes of Lmmigrants. 

In consequence of the persecutions of 1679, 16S2 and 1685, crowds of voluntary exiles 
sought an asylum in East New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Carolina and Maryland. 

Prominent among those who fled to this land for conscience's sake, were the 
Huguenots, or French Protestants. The persecutions to which they were exposed 
during the reign of Louis XIV, consummated by the revocation of the edict of Nantes, 
in 1685, drove hundreds of thousands of those unhappy people from their native country. 
Though the frontiers were vigilantly guarded, upwards of five hundred thousand of them 
made their escape. They fled to Switzerland, Germany, Holland and England, and 
large numbers of them came to this country, many of whom settled in Pennsylvania, 
chiefly on Pequea Creek, near Paradise, Lancaster county. 

The Welsh, also, from their numbers, deserve particular notice. The principal 
settlement of them at an early period, was upon the left bank of the Schuylkill. They 
there occupied three townships, and in a few years their numbers so increased that they 
obtained three additional townships. Subsequently many of them settled in various 
parts of the Province. They were characterized by energy, integrity and perseverance. 

Nor must the German settlers in Pennsylvania, by any means be overlooked in this 
enumeration. Their immigration commenced as early as 1682 or 1683, and very 
rapidly increased. The Mennonists or German Baptists, a sect which adhered to the 
principle of non-resistance, persecuted in Europe, and driven from one country to 
another, sought the toleration of Penn's colony, and immigrated between the years 1698 
and 1 71 7, settling in Lancaster, Berks, and the upper parts of Chester county. The 
Dunkards, also a non-resistant sect, began to immigrate about the year 1718, and sub- 
sequently established a sort of monastery and convent at Ephrata, in Lancaster county. 

In 1719, Jonathan Dickinson, who held the important offices of Chief Justice of the 
Province, Speaker of the Assembly, and Member of Council, remarks: " We are daily 
expecting ships from London which bring over Palatines, in number about six or seven 
thousand. We had a parcel who came out about five years ago, who purchased land 
about sixty miles west of Philadelphia, and prove quiet and industrious. " 



■= History of tlie Presbyterian Church in the State of Kentucliy, by the Rev. Robert Davidson, D.D. 



lO MEN OF MARK. 

From 1730 to 1740, about sixty-five vessels, well filled with Germans, arrived at Phila- 
delphia, bringing with them ministers of the Gospel and schoolmasters to instruct their 
children. A large number of these remained in Philadelphia, others went seventy to 
eighty miles from that city^some settled in the neighbourhood of Lebanon, others west 
of the Susquehanna, in York county. From 1740 to 1755, upwards of one hundred 
vessels arrived, which were filled with emigrants of the same nation, and in some of 
which, though small, there were between five and six hundred passengers. With regard 
to the Germans in Pennsylvania, Mr. Andrews, in a letter dated October 14, 1730, says : 
"There is, besides, in this Province a vast number of Palatines, and they come in still 
every year. Those that have come of late are mostly Presbyterian, or, as they call 
themselves. Reformed, the Palatinate being about three-fifths of that sort of people." 
"There are man v Lutherans and some Reformed mixed among them. In other parts 
of the country, they are chiefly Reformed, so that I suppose the Presbyterian party are 
as numerous as the Quakers, or near it." 

Such, then, were the materials out of which the original population of the Province 
of Pennsylvania was constituted. As our necessarily brief sketch indicates, they were 
not homogeneous, but were diversified by their origin, religious principles, habits, and 
language. Yet notwithstanding these divergences, they were one in spirit, actuated by 
a common impulse, and controlled by a similar ambition. They were united in devo- 
tion to the principles of the Reformation, and in favour of civil and religious liberty. 
E<iuality of rights, and the liberty of worship according to the dictates of conscience, 
were standard principles which had won their steadfast adherence, and which they were 
not willing any party or power shonld dare to assail. That they were not free from 
faults, is not to be denied. This was to be expected. The circumstances in which they 
were thrown together in a new world, the difference of the reigning spirit of the several 
localities from which they migrated, the influence of early education, the necessity for 
combating the untried exigencies of pioneer life, and the difficulties always incident to 
the mutual adjustment of masses of people in a new territory, as well as to the framing 
of wise and just laws for self-government, — all these considerations made an antecedent 
probability that the new social and civil systems would not be inaugurated and 
established without a develoimient of some of the errors and evils which it is so diffi- 
cult for lapsed human nature to avert or avoid. But, over and above these imperfec- 
tions, those men had in general, a character challenging our highest admiration, who 
first took possession of our noble territory, when it was a vast, dense and solitary wil- 
derness — the hut of the savage and the dwelling of the beasts of prey — felled its forests, 
cleared its streams, fenced its plains, decorated its hill-tops with humble yet happy 
homes, churches and school-houses, framed its salutary legislation, and proclaimed the 
principles which have made it the abode of civilization and the home of an intelligent, 
enterprising, moral and religious community. They were, as a body, men of indepen- 
dence and integrity of character, exemplary morals and a deep reverence for the insti- 
tutions of religion. 

Ch.A.R.^CTF.R of lMMir,R.\NTS. 

The author of the work already referred to, thus alludes to the three classes — 
the English, the Scots and Irish, and the Germans, into which the first settlers of Penn- 
sylvania by reason of their diversity were divided, a division which was maintained for 
some generations, and is not even yet effaced : 

■' The associates and followers of Penn, who were amongst the first to establish the 
government of the Province, were an honest, intelligent, virtuous, peaceful and benevo- 



nrSTORTCAL SKETCH. II 

lent population, known in England and the colonies by the name of Friends or Quakers." 

"The Germans were a hardy, frugal and industrious people, and in 

many districts have preserved their foreign manners and language. They have established 
in every part of the State, communities much respected for religious and moral character, 
many of them emigrated for conscience's sake, and others to improve their condition 
and circumstances. Their industry and frugality have enabled them to add greatly to 
their own wealth and resources, whilst they were increasing that of the Province and 
State. With most of this class, education has been promoted, and their descendants, in 
acquirements and intelligence, are in advance of their ancestors, and many are amongst 
the most respectable and useful citizens of the Commonwealth, whilst they have, by 
branches of their families, contributed greatly to the industrious and useful population 

of several of the Western States.' "From their conscientious scruples against 

bearing arms, the Mennonists did not enter the army to fight the battles of the country 
but when Independence was acknowledged, and a new government organized and 
established, they were obedient in all things to its requisitions. They have ever been 
in Pennsylvania a peaceable, industrious and moral community, paying their taxes 
regularly ; avoiding strife, and living in peace with all men with whom they had 
intercourse. They never allow the poor members of their society to be a public 

charge, but support them in the society." "The Scotch and Irish settlers of 

Pennsylvania are men who laid broad and deep the foundations of a great Province, and 
who, with a master's hand, erected a structure of government that was stable, capacious 
and elevated, whose prosperity and greatness command admiration, and which, by public 
accord, constitutes the great keystone of the political arch of the American Union. 
The men who were instrumental in this structure of government, with its free institu- 
tions of religious and civil liberty, were more than ordinary men, to hold the plough 
and handle the axe, or ply the shuttle. They had other qualities, we would infer from 
their works, than enterprise, energy, bravery and patriotism, and they were not surpassed, 
for lofty virtue and consistent piety." 

Penn's Purchase of Lands. 

Soon after William Penn's arrival in the Province, the date of which has been 
already noticed, and before his return to England, in 1684, he resolved " to purchase 
the lands on the Susquehanna from the Five Nations, who pretended a right to them, 
having conquered the people formerly settled there." For this purpose, being too busy 
to give his personal attention to the matter, he engaged Governor Dongan, of New 
York, where the Five Nations chiefly quartered, to buy from them, " all that tract of 
land lying on both sides of the river Susquehanna, and the lakes adjacent in or near the 
Province of Pennsylvania." Dongan effected a purchase, and conveyed the property to 
Penn, January 13th, 1696, "in consideration of one hundred pounds sterling." 

How careful the wise Quaker was to have this purchase well confirmed, appears from 
the following document which stands among the early records of the Province : — 

"September 13th, 1700, Widagh 2.\\A. Andaggy-junk-qiiagh, Kings or Sachems of the 
Susquehannagh Indians, and of the river under that name, and lands lying on both sides 
thereof. Deed to W. Penn for all the said river Susquehannagh, and all the islands 
therein, and all the lands situate, lying and being upon both sides of the said river, and 
next adjoining the same, to the utmost confines of the lands wliich are, or formerly were, 
the right of the people or nation called the Susquehannagh Indians, or by what name 
soever they tvere called, as fully and amply as we or any of our ancestors have, could, 



I 2 MEN OF MARK. 

might or ought to have had, held or enjoyed, and also confirm the bargain and sale of 
the said lands, made unto Colonel Thomas Dongan, now Earl of Limerick, and for- 
merly Governor of iSfew York, whose deed of sale to said Governor Penn we have seen." 

Penn in Council wuh the Five Nations. 

In April, 1 701, Penn met in (_oun( il the chiefs of the Five Nations with those from 
the Susquehanna and the Potomac, and the Shawnese chiefs, and after going through 
the solemn forms of Indian diplomacy, covenanted that there should be " forever a 
firm and lasting peace continued between William Penn, his heirs and successors, and 
all the English and other Christian inhabitants of the province, and the said kings and 
chief;;, &c., and that they shall forever hereafter be as one head and one heart, and live 
in true friendship and amity as one people.' At this treaty, regulations were adopted 
to govern their trade, and mutual enforcement of penal laws, and former purchases of 
land were confirmed. Especially was there a necessity for a confirmation of the sale 
just referred to as having been made in September of the preceding year. The Con- 
estoga Indians, it seems, would not recognize the validity of this sale, believing that the 
Five Nations had no proper authority to transfer their possessions. In consequence of 
this difficulty, Penn entered into articles of agreement with the Susquehanna, Potomac 
and Conestoga Indians, by which they ratified and confirmed both Governor Dongan's 
deed of 1696, and the deed by Widagh and Andaggy-Junk-qi/ai^h, of 1700. 

In October, 1736, a purchase was made by the Proprietaries, from the Six Nations, 
calling themselves Aquanuschioni, ;'. e. the United Peoi)le, of all the lands west of the 
Susquehanna " to the setting sun," and south of the Tayainentasachta hills, as the Kit- 
tochtinny or Blue Mountain was called by the Six Nations. " Their Sachems or chiefs," 
says Mr. Rupp,* "were appointed with plenary powers to repair to Philadelphia, and 
there, among other things, settle and adjust all demands and claims connected with the 
Susquehanna and the adjoining lands. On their arrival at that city, they renewed old 
treaties of friendship, and on the nth of the month just mentioned, made a deed to 
John Penn, Thomas Penn and Richard Penn, their heirs, successors, and assigns. The 
deed was signed by twenty-three Indian chiefs of the Onondaga, Seneca, Oneida and 
Tiiscarora nations, and granted to the Penns "all the said river Susquehanna, with the 
lands lying on both sides thereof, to extend eastward as far as the heads of the branches 
or springs which run into the said Susquehanna, and all the lands lying on the west side 
of the said river to the setting sun, and to extend from the mouth of the said river, 
northward, up the same to the hills or mountains called in the language of said nations 
Tayainentasachta, and by the Delaware Indians the Kekachtannin]\\\\s,.''' In July, 1754, 
at Albany, the proprietors purchased of the Six Nations all the land within the State, not 
previously purchased, lying southwest of a line beginning one mile above the mouth of 
Penn's creek, and running northwest by west "to the western boundary of the State." 

Emigr.\tion Westward. 

As the eastern part of Pennsylvania gradually increased in population, the tide of 
migration rolled westward. In 1729, the upper parts of Chester county were consti- 
tuted aseparate county called " Lancaster county," which then, and till 1749, embraced 
York, Cumberland, part of Berks, and all the contiguous counties, as it did also Dauphin 
till March 4th, 1785. The first permanent and extensive settlement made near the 

♦ History and Tjpj^rnfiky of Datif>hin, Cuinhcrland, Franklin, Bedford, Adams and Perry Counties, by I. D. Rupp, — 
10 which we here make a general acknowledgment of obligation for assistance in the preparation of this sketch. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 



13 



Susquehanua, was commenced by some Swiss immigrants. They were persecuted 
Mennonists, who had fled from the Cantons of Zurich, Bern, Schaffhausen in Switzer- 
land, to Alsace, above Strasburg, where they had remained some time before they immi- 
grated to America. This they did in 1 707 or 1 708, choosing for their location the western 
part of Chester, now Lancaster county, near Pequea creek. Before 1720, settlements 
had been extended northward beyond the Chickasalunga creek. Donegal township, 
organized in 1722, had been principally settled by Irish, or Scotch immigrants. 

John Harris. 

Settlements were now made northward, and along the Susquehanna river. John 
Harris, a native of Yorkshire, England, had made an attempt, prior to 1725, to settle 
near the mouth of Conoy creek, not far from the present site of Bainbridge, but it seems 
he preferred to settle higher up the Susquehanna, near an Indian village called Peixtan, 
at or near the present site of Harrisburg. Harris was in a few years followed by others, 
principally emigrants direct from the north of Ireland. " About the time of the settle- 
ment of this pioneer at (Peixtan) Harrisburg," says his great-grand -son, George Wash- 
ington Harris, Esq., " Indian towns were existing near to Squire Wills' stone house, (in 
Cumberland county,) opposite Harrisburg, and at the mouth of the Conodoguinett and 
Yellow Breeches creeks. There had been one on the low ground on the river, about the 
lower line of Harrisburg, and another at the mouth of Paxton creek. These two are 
supposed to have been abandoned at the time of making his settlement. The Indians, 
who resided in this neighborhood, were of the Six Nations, and, it said, that at one 
time, by firing a gun, six or seven hundred warriors could be assembled at the present 
site of Harrisburg."* 

KiTTOCHTINNY VaLLEY. 

The valley of the Susquehanna, opposite Harris' Ferry, was called by the Indians 
Kittochtinny valley, from the extensive mountain range constituting its western 
boundary, "Kittochtinny" signifying " endless mountains. " That part of the valley 
west of the Susquehanna, embraced what now constitutes the county of Cumberland, and 
almost all the county of Franklin. For fertility of soil, abundance of copious springs, 
clear running streams, variety of forest timber, luxuriance of vegetation and salubrity of 
climate, presenting as a boundary on two sides mountain ranges, with a wide valley, 
made up of hills, plains and dales, it was not surpassed by any of the American colonies. 
Yet, attractive as it was, its settlement was retarded from being a frontier remote from 
the eastern settlement, the Indian claim to which was not purchased by the Proprie- 
tary of Pennsylvania, until October, 1736. A great part of it was in controversy 
with the Proprietary of Maryland, who claimed the same as belonging to that 
Province. The purchase just mentioned, being made ; and the Maryland controversy 
being at the same time suspended, by agreement of the Proprietaries of the two Provinces, 
the Land Office of Pennsylvania was opened in January, 1737, for the sale and appro- 

* Article in *' Napey's Harrisburg Business Directory." In the same article the following interesting incident is related: 
** On one occasion, a band of Indians, who had been down the river, or, as is said, to the East, on a trading excursion, came 
to the house cf John Harris. Some, or most of them, were intoxicated. They asked for hun, meaning West India Rum, as 
the modern whiskey was not then manufactured in Pennsylvania. Seeing they were already intoxicated, he feared mischief if 
be gave them more, and he refused. They became enraged and seized and tied him to the mulberry tree to burn him. 
Wbilst they were proceeding to execute their purpose he was released, after a struj^Ic, by other Indian* of the neighborhood 
who generally came across the river. How the alarm was given to them, whether by firing a gun or otherwise, or by whom, 
is not now certainly known. In remembrance of this event, he afterwards directed that, on his death, he should be buried 
under the mulberry tree which had been the scene of this adventure. He died about the year 1748, and was buried where he 
had directed — under the shade of his own memorable tree, and thei»» his remains still repose, with those of some of his 
children." 



H 



MEN OF MARK. 



jiriation of lands west of the Susquehanna on the usual terms. The applications for 
warrants, and the influx of settlers, were now great into this valley. As early as 
1730-31, some resolute and enterprising citizens were induced by the Proprietary 
Agents of Pennsylvania to make settlements in this district, under the authority of the 
State, in order to assert and maintain its claims and jurisdiction, but only at and after 
the opening of the Land Office for the sale of lands in the Kittochtinny valley did 
settlers rush into it. Their number in 1740 reached several thousands; in 1749 the 
number of taxables was 807, and in 1751 it had increased to 1134. 

Organization and Settlement of Cumberland County. 
Before the organization of the county of Cumberland, this part of the Kittochtinny 
Valley was called by the whites "the North Valley," to distinguish it, as is supposed, 
from the extension of the same valley in Virginia, south of the Potomac River. After- 
wards, it very generally received the name of the "Cumberland Valley," taking its 
name from the county, of which it was a small ]jart. Cumberland county was organized 
January 27th, 1750. Up to this date it belonged to Lancaster county, which was 
established in 1729, and then included the whole country \vest of the boundary of the 
State. The inhabitants of the North Valley, by a petition to the Assembly, represented 
the great hardships they endured by reason of their remoteness from Lancaster, where 
the courts were held and the public offices kept, how difficult it was for the " sober and 
quiet part ' ' of the valley to protect themselves from theft and other abuses, frequently 
committed by idle and dissolute persons, who, to escape punishment, resorted to the 
more remote parts of the Province, and owing to the great distance from the place of 
trial and imprisonment, frequently escaped, and the result of this application was an 
enactment, — " That all and singular the lands lying within the Province of Pennsylvania 
to the westward of Susquehanna, and northward and westward of the county of York, 
be erected into a county to be called Cumberland, bounded northward and westward 
with the line of the Province, eastward partly with the river Susquehanna, and partly 
with the said county of York, and southward in part by the line dividing the said 
Province from that of Maryland. Cumberland county was named after a maritime 
county of England, on the borders of Scotland. It is scarcely necessary to say, that its 
extensive limits have been gradually reduced by the formation of other counties. 

The Valley Divided. 

In 1735, by the order and appointment of the Court, the valley was divided into two 
townships, by a line crossing the valley at the " Great Spring," now Newville, the 
eastern one called " Pennsbo rough," and the western one, "Hopewell," and a Justice 
of the Peace and a Constable were appointed for each. In 1741, the township of 
Antrim was established, embracing the Conococheague settlement and what now 
constitutes the county of Franklin, with a Justice of the Peace and Constable for it. 

When Cumberland county was erected, Robert McCoy, Benjamin Chambers, David 
Magaw, James Mclntire and John McCormick were appointed commissioners to select 
the site for a court-house. Shippensburg was selected- as a temporary seat of justice. 
After Carlisle had been laid out, zV was chosen permanently in 1751 for this purpose.* 

* Mr. Conynham says — "Messrs. Lyon and Armstrong were elected by the proprietaries to lay out a town on the road from 
Harris' Ferry, leading through the rich valley of Cumberland, including the old stockade and blockhouse, and extending over 
the big spring called Le Tort, (now Letort,) after James Le Tort, a French Swiss, who acted as Indian interpreter and 
messenger to government, and who had erected a cabin at its source as early as the year 1735. Carlisle was laid out in 
pursuance of their directions in 1750." This stream rises in South Middleton township, from a large fountain as its source* 
gives motion to several mills, passes through the borough of Carlisle, and empties into the Conodoguinett two miles north- 
east of the borough. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 



15 



The Orphans' Court, during the years 1750 and 1751, seems to have followed the 
judges. At one time it was held at " William Anderson's," another time at " Antrim," 
sometimes at " Shippensburg," and then again at " Peterstown," (" Peters Township.") 
The removal of the Court Of Common Pleas and the Criminal Court from Shippens- 
burg to Carlisle, produced great dissatisfaction among the people of Conococheague, 
which was then quite a populous settlement, and complaint was made to the Assembly. 
In their petition for a redress of their grievances, they affirmed their full persuasion that 
the continuance of Shippensburg would have quieted the whole county, though it was 
northeast of the centre. They also alleged that it would always impoverish them to 
carry and expend their money at the extremity of the county, whence it would never 
circulate back again, that neither the interest of the proprietaries nor the prosperity of 
the town of Carlisle would be advanced by changing the seat of justice, and that no 
good wagon road could be made across the North Mountain "until beyond Shippens- 
burg, up the valley." The citizens of the eastern end denied the statements of the 
Conococheague men, and the courts remained at Letort's Spring, where it was for the 
proprietary interest that they should be. 

Interesting Letters. 

Gov. Hamilton, in his letter of instructions, April i, 1751, "to Nicholas Scull, 
Surveyor-General, which will serve likewise for Mr. Cookson," states that he had been 
led to select the site of Carlisle on account of there being, among other advantages 
" about it, a wholesome dry limestone soil, good air, and abundance of vacant land, well 
covered with a variety of wood." He also charged his agents, in selecting the site, " to 
take into consideration the following matters, viz : — the health of the citizens, the good- 
ness and plenty of water, with the easiest method of coming at it ; its commodiousness to 
the great road leading from Harris' Ferry to the Potowmac,* and to other necessary 
roads, as well into the neighbouring county as over the passes in the Blue Mountains." 

In May, 1753, John O'Neal, who had been sent to Carlisle by Governor Hamilton, 
for the purpose of repairing the fortificatiojis, thus wrote: 

"The garrison here consists only of twelve men. The stockade originally occupied 
two acres of ground square, with a blockhouse in each corner ; these buildings are now 
in ruin. Carlisle has been recently laid out, and is the established seat of justice. It is 
the general opinion that a number of log cabins will be erected during the ensuing 
Summer on speculation, in which some accommodation can be had for the new levies. 
The number of dwelling houses is five. The court is at present held in a temporary 
log building, on the northeast corner of the centre square. If the lots were clear of the 
brushwood, it would give a different aspect to the town. The situation, however, is 
handsome, in the centre of a valley, with a mountain bounding it on the north and 
south at a distance of seven miles. The wood consists principally of oak and hickory. 
The limestone will be of great advantage to the future settlers, being in abundance. 
A limekiln stands on the centre square, near what is called the deep quarry, from which 
is obtained good building stone. A large stream of water runs about two miles from the 

village, which may at a future period be rendered navigable The Indian 

wigwams, in the vicinity of the Great Beaver Pond, are to me an object of particular 
curiosity." 

Curious Stockade. 
In the same year, 1753, another stockade of very curious construction was erected, 
whose western gate was in High street, between Hanover and Pitt streets, opposite lot 

• Laid out by order of the court at Lancaster, in 1736. 



I 6 MEN OF MARK. 

loo. Tliis fortification was thus constructed : Oak logs about seventeen feet in length 
were set upright in a ditch dug to the depth of four feet. Each log was about twelve 
inches in diameter. In the interior were platforms made of clapboards, and raised four 
or five feet from the ground. Upon these the men stood and fired through loopholes. 
At each corner was a swivel gun, which was occasionally fired " to let the Indians know 
that such kind of guns were within." * Three wells were sunk within the line of the 
fortress, one of which was on lot 125, another on the line between lots 109 and 117, and 
the third on the line between lots 124 and 116. This last was for many years known as 
tlie "King's Well." Within this fort, called "Fort Louther," women and children 
from Green Spring and the country around often sought protection from the tomahawk 
of the savage. Its force, in 1755, consisted of fifty men, and that of Fort Franklin, at 
Shippensburg, of the same number. At a somewhat later day, or perhaps about the 
same time, breastworks were erected a little northeast of the town — as it was then 
limited — by Col. Stanwi.x, some remains of which existed until within a comparatively 
recent date.f 

Barbardts Ml'rder at Carlisle. 

The town of Carlisle, in 1760, says Mr. Day, was made the scene of a barbarous 
ii.arder. Doctor John, a friendly Indian of the Delaware tribe, was massacred, together 
with his wife and two children. Capt. Callender, who was one of the inquest, was sent 
for by the Assembly, and, after interrogating him on the subject, they offered a reward 
^f one hundred pounds for the apprehension of each person concerned in the murder. 
The excitement occasioned by the assassination of Dr. John's family was immense, for 
it was feared that the Indians might seek to avenge the murder on the settlers. About 
noonday, on the 4th of July, 1 763, one of a party of horsemen, who were seen rapidly 
riding through the town, stopped a moment to quench his thirst, and communicated the 
information that Presqu'isle, Le Beuf, and Venango had been captured by the French 
and Indians. The greatest alarm spread among the citizens of the town and neigh- 
boring country. The roads were crowded in a little while with women and children 
hastening to Lancaster for safety. The pastor of the Episcopal church headed his con- 
gregation, encouraging them on the way. Some retired to the breastworks. Col. 
Bouquet, in a letter addressed to the Governor, dated the day previous, at Carlisle, 
urged the propriety of the people of York assisting in buildir"; the posts here, and 
"sowing the harvest," as ///;•/> county was protected by Cumberland. 

Conditions of Peace. 

The terror of the citizens subsided but little, until Col. Boucjuet conquered the 
Indians in the following year, 1764, and compelled them to sue for peace. One of the 
conditions on which peace was granted was, that the Indians should deliver up all the 
women and children whom they had taken into captivity. Among them were many 
who had been seized when very young, and had grown up to womanhood in the wigwam 
of the savage. They had contracted the wild habits of their captors, learned their lan- 
guage and forgotten their own, and were bound to them by ties of the strongest 
affection. Many a mother found a lost child ; many were unable to designate their 
children. The separation between the Indians and their prisoners was heart-rending. 
The hardy son of the forest shed torrents of tears, and every captive left the wigwam 
with reluctance. Some afterwards made their escape and returned to the Indians. 
Many had intermarried with the natives, but all were left to freedom of choice, and 



* Haz. Reg. iv, 390. + Char., &c., of Carlisle. 



■"''^\T7'i 



"11 




HISTORICAL SKETCH. i-j 

those who remained unmarried had been treated with dehcacy. One female, who had 
been captured at the age of fourteen, had become the wife of an Indian and the mother 
of several children. When informed that she was about to be delivered to her parents, 
her grief could not be alleviated. "Can I," said she, "enter my parents' dwelling? 
Will they be kind to my children ? Will my old companions associate with the wife of 
an Indian chief? And my husband, who has been so kind — I will not desert him !" 
That night she fled from the camp to her husband and children. 

Thrilling Incident. 
A great number of the restored prisoners were brought to Carlisle, and Col. Bouquet 
advertised for those who had lost children to come there and look for them. Among 
those that came was an old woman, whose child, a little girl, had been taken from her 
several years before, but she was unable to designate her daughter or converse with the 
released captives. With breaking heart the old woman lamented to Col. Bouquet her 
hapless lot, telling him how she used many years ago to sing to her little daughter a 
hymn of which the child was so fond. She was requested by the Colonel to sing it 
then, which she did in these words : 

" .-Vlone, yet not alone am I. 

Though in this solitude so drear ; 
I feel my Saviour always nigh, 
He comes my every hour to cheer," 

and the long-lost daughter rushed into the arms of her mother. 

Carlisle a Rendezvous. 

Quietude being secured to the citizens by tlie termination of the Indian war, they 
directed their attention to the improvement of their village and the cultivation of the 
soil. No important public event disturbed them in their peaceful occupations, until the 
disputes which preceded the war of the Revolution arose between the colonies and the 
mother country. During this war Carlisle was made an important place of rendezvous 
for the American troops, and, in consequence of being located at a distance from the 
theatre of war, British prisoners were frequently sent thither for secure confinement.* 
Of these were two officers, Majjr Andre and Lieutenant Despard, who had been taken 
by Montgomery near Lake Champlain. While here, in 1776, they occupied the stone 
house on lot number 161, at the corner of South Hanover street and Locust alley, and 
were on parole of honour of six miles, but were prohibited going out of the town except 
in military dress. 

An Unflinching Whk;. 

In the immediate neighborhood lived Mrs. Ramsey, an unflinching Whig, who 
detected . two Tories in conversation with these officers, and immediately made known 
the circumstaVice to William Brown, Esq., one of the County Committee. The Tories, 
being pursued, were arrested somewhere between the town and South Mountain, brought 
back, tried instanter, and imprisoned. Upon their persons were discovered letters 
written in French, but no one could be found to interpret them, and their contents 
were never known. 

After this occurrence, Andre and Despard were not allowed to leave the town. They 
had in their possession fowling pieces of superior workmanship, with which they had 
been in the habit of pursuing game within the limits of their parole, but now, being 



* The Unitid States Barracks, located about half a mile from the town, but within the borough limits, were built in 1777. 
The workmen employed were Hessians captured at Trenton, 



1 8 MEN OF MARK. 

unable to use them, they broke them to pieces, declaring that "no d d rebel should 

ever burn powder in them." During their confinement here, a man by the name of 
Thompson enlisted a company of militia in what is now Perry county, and marched 
them to Carlisle. Eager to make a display of his own bravery and that of his recruits, 
he drew up his soldiers at night in front of the house of Andre and his companion, and 
swore lustily that he would have their lives, because, as he alleged, the Americans who 
were prisoners of war in the hands of the British, were dying by starvation. Through 
the importunity, however, of Mrs. Ramsey, Captain Thompson, who had formerly been 
an apprentice to her husband, was made to desist, and, as he countermarched his 
company, with a menacing nod of the head he bellowed to the objects of his wrath, 
" You may thank my old mistress for your lives." 

Bribe Refused. 

On the following morning, Mrs. Ramsey received from the British officers a very 
polite note, expressing their gratitude to her for saving them from the hacking sword of 
the redoubtable Captain Thompson. They were afterwards removed to York, and 
before their departure, sent to Mrs. Ramsey a box of spermaceti candles, with a note 
requesting her acceptance of the donation, as an acknowledgment of her many acts of 
kindness. The present was declined, Mrs. Ramsey averring that she was too staunch a 
Whig to accept a gratuity from a British officer. Despard was executed at London in 
1803, for high treason. With the fate of the unfortunate Andre every one is familiar. 

Relief for the Distressed. 

In 1763 there were many refugees, from the most western parts of the Province, in 
Carlisle, driven thither by distress arising from Indian hostilities. The Congregations 
of Christ's Church, and St. Peter's Church, Philadelphia, both Episcopal, raised the 
sum of _;^562 for the relief of these frontier inhabitants. The Rev. William Thompson, 
an itinerant Episcopal minister for the counties of York and Lancaster, in a letter from 
Carlisle, August 24th, acknowledging this generous act, wrote as follows : 

" We find the number of the distressed to be seven hundred and fifty famihes, who have abandoned 
iheir plantations ; many have lost their Ciops, and some their stock and furniture, and besides these we are 
informed that about two hundred women and children are coming down from Fort Pitt. The unhappy 
sufferers are dispersed through every part of this county, and many have passed into Yorl<. In this town 
and neighbourhood, there are upwards of two hundred families, and having the affliction of the small-pox 
and flux to a great degree." 

The first tax upon the citizens of Carlisle, of which we have any account, as appears 
from the charter of the town, was laid in December, 1752, and amounted to ^[,2^ f)s. 6d. 

CoL. John Armstrong. 

Prominent among the citizens of Carlisle at this time, was Col. John Armstrong. He 
was of Irish nativity, and a man of intelligence, integrity, and high moral and religious 
character. He was resolute and brave, and, through living habitually in the fear of the 
Lord, he feared not the face of man. The corporation of Philadelphia thus testified 
their esteem for this valiant and brave soldier : 

Col. John Armstronc. 

Sir: — The Corporation of the City of Philadelphia greatly approve of your conduct and public spirit in 
the late expedition against the town of Kittanning, and are highly pleased with the signal proofs of courage 
and personal bravery given by you, and the officers under your command, in demolishing of that place 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 



19 



I am therefore ordered to return you and them the thanks of the Board f r the eminent service you have 

thereby done your country. I am also ordered by the Corporation to present you, out of their small public 

stock, with a piece of plate and silver medal, and each of your officers with a medal and a small sum of 

money to be disposed of in the manner most agreeable to them ; which the Board desire you will accept as 

a testimony of the regard they have for your merit. 

Signed by order, 

January '^th, 1757. ATWOOD RHUTE, Mayor. 

Col. Armstrong was, in 1776, appointed by the American Congress, a General of its 
Revolutionary Army, on the recommendation of Washington, who had served with him 
in Forbes' Campaign in 1758, and knew his qualifications. He served his country with 
ability and fidelity in the trying struggle for American Independence. 

Churches. 

About the year 1736, the Presbyterians erected a log church on the Conodoguinett 
creek, about two miles north of Carlisle, or West Pennsborough, as it was then called, 
at a place known ever since as the "Meeting-House Spring." No vestige of this 
building now remains, nor are there any of the oldest residents of the neighbourhood 
who are able to give anything like a satisfactory account of it. The first pastor of 
this Church — the Rev. Samuel Thompson, from Ireland — was ordained and installed 
November 14th, 1739. It seems probable, however, that for some time previously to 
Mr. Thompson's settlement, the Rev. Messrs. Craighead and Caven had laboured 
there in the character of stated supplies. 

Shortly after Carlisle was laid out, a Presbyterian congregation was organized in it, 
and a church was built. In relation to this movement, Col. Armstrong, who was an 
Elder of the church, wrote to Richard Peters, as follows : — 

"Carlisle, June loth, 1757. 
" To-morrow we begin to haul stones for the building of a meeting-house, on the north side of the 
square; — there was no other convenient place. I have avoided the place you once pitched for a church. 
The stones are raised out of Col. Stanwix's entrenchments : we will want help in this political as well as 
religious work." 

About the year 1760, a license was obtained from Governor Hamilton, authorizing 
the congregation to raise, by lottery, a small sum of money to enable them to build a 
decent house for the worship of God, and in 1766, the minister and others petitioned 
the Assembly, for the passage of an Act to compel the "managers to settle," and the 
" adventurers to pay," " the settlement of the lottery having been for a considerable time 
deferred," by reason of the "confusion occasioned by the Indian wars." The Act 
prayed for was passed. The method of raising money by lottery, for church purposes 
or any other, was not, of course, at that time regarded as it is now. 

The Rev. Geo. Duffield, D. D., was installed Pastor of the church in Carlisle, in 
1 761. A short time afterward, the congregation in the country, then under the care 
of the Rev. Mr. Steele, constructed a two-story house of worship in town, and, some 
time before the Revolution, erected the present "First Presbyterian Church," on the 
northwest corner of the Centre Square,"* which, however, has since been several times 

• It should here be stated, that the Presbyterian Church at Silvers* Spring, (so called from the fact that the land around the 
stream near which the church edifice stands, was originaUy owned by Mr. Silvers, ont- of the tirstsettlcrs in that region of the 
county,) had an early existence. The congregation was first known as *' the people over the Susquehanna." Afterwards (1736) 
as connected with the congregation at Carhsle, it was known as the *' Lower Settlement of Conodoguinnett," Still later wo 
find it designated " Lower Pennsborough." The Gospel was first preached here by Rev. Alexander Craighead, by appoint- 
ment of Presbytery, in 1734. For several following years the church was supplied occasionally by the Rev. Messrs. Bartram, 



20 MEN OF MARK. 

remodeled and repaired. Tlie two congregations differed somewhat in doctrinal views, 
and were called the " Old Lights," and " New Lights," in virtue of a division which 
then prevailed throughout the Synod. " The house in wliich Mr. Duffield's congrega- 
tion worshipi)ed," says Dr. Wing, ''was situated on the east side of Hanover street, 
nearly opposite the place where the Second Presbyterian Church now stands. Soon after 
Mr. Duffield's removal to the Third Church of Philadelphiai 1772,) this building took fire 
and was entirely consumed. During the confusion incident to the War of the Ameri- 
can Revolution, neither congregation appears to have flourished, and soon after the 
death of Mr. Steele, (August, 1779,) both congregations worshipped alternately in the 
stone church, which had now been completed by Mr. Duffield's former people finishing 
off and occupying the gallery." After the removal of Dr. Duffield to Philadelphia, 
and the death of Mr. Steele, the two congregations united, and called, in 1785, the 
Rev. Robert Davidson, D. D., who was an eminent scholar and divine. The follow- 
ing year the congregation, thus united, was incorporated. Dr. Davidson was removed 
by death, December 13th, 1812. In connection with him, and as his colleague, the 
Rev. Henry R. Wilson, D. D., preached some time to the congregation, whilst Profes- 
sor in Dickinson College. In 1816, the Rev. George Duffield, a licentiate of the Pres- 
bytery of Philadelphia, and grandson of Dr. Duffield above referred to,, was called to the 
pastorate of this church, Dr, Duffield resigned the charge in 1835. The congregation 
was subsequently served by the Rev. Messrs. Granger and Burrowes, as supplies, and 
the Rev. Messrs. W. T. Sprole and E. J. Newlin as pastors, until the Rev. Dr. Wing 
assumed the pastorate, which he still continues to fill. 

The "Second Presbyterian Church of Carlisle," was organized in the town hall in 
1833. Rev. Daniel McKinley, D. D., was its pastor from 1833 till 1838, the Rev. 
Alexander T. McGill, D. D., from 1839 'i^ 1841. '^e Rev. T. V. Moore, D. D,, from 
1842 till 1S45. The succeeding pastors were the Rev. James Lillie, the Rev. Mervine 
E. Johnson, the Rev. Dr. Eells, and the Rev. John C. Bliss, who yielded the pulpit to 
the Rev. George Norcross, by whom it is still occupied. 

Episcopalians. 

In 1765, the Episcopalians of Carlisle also secured the passage of an Act by the 
Assembly, authorizing them to raise by lottery a sufficient sum to complete a church 
"in part erected," but whether they availed themselves of it, does not appear. The 
edifice then built stood near the same spot — the northeast corner of the public square — 
on which the present church, St. John's, is located. The itinerant missionary already 
referred to, in the interest of the Episcopal Church, for the counties of York and Cum- 
berland, was maintained by the "Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign 
Parts," for several years after these counties were founded. This office was held by him 
as late as 1776. 

German Reformed and Lutheran. 

The German Reformed and Evangelical Lutheran churches, in Carlisle, both incor- 
porated in 1811, were organized about 1765, the latter under the pastoral care of the 
Rev. Mr. Butler. They worshipped on alternate Sabbaths in the same church, which 



Thom,is Craighead, Golslon, and Thompson, the last of whom became pastor in 1739. Mr. T. resigned on account of 
" bodily weakness " in 1745, and was succeeded in the pastorate, in the same year, by the Rev. Samuel Caven. In 1764 the 
Rev. John Steel served the congregation in connection with the church at Carlisle. In 17S2 the Rev. Samuel Waugh was • 
installed over the church. In 1808 the Rev. John Hayes became successor of Mr. Waugh. The church was subsequently 
under the pastoral care of Rev. Henry R. Wilson, 1). D., the Rev James Williamson, the Rev. George Morris, and others. 
The present church edifice was erected in 1783. . 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 21 

stood on the lot then used as the German Reformed burying ground, opposite to Dickin- 
son College, until 1807, when each congregation erected a house of worshij) for its own 
use. This lot having been sold for a Preparatory School for the college, another German 
Reformed church was built in 1827, at the corner of High and Pitt streets, which was 
subsequently sold to the Methodists, and then, in 1835, the building was erected in 
Louther street which is now occupied. The Lutherans also erected a handsome 
structure. 

Methodist. 

Soon after the Revolution Methodist ministers commenced their labours in 
Carlisle, worshiping first in the market-place, then in the Court House, and subse- 
quently in a small frame building in Pomfret street, in which last place they formed a 
class of about twelve members, in 1792 or 1793. Their number, increasing, a few 
years afterwards they built a small stone house in Pitt street, in which they worshiped 
a short time, and then erected a brick edifice in Church alley. Having sold this in 
1835, they purchased from the German Reformed congregation the stone church on the 
corner of Pitt and High streets. 

Roman Catholic. 

The Catholic chapel was erected in 1807, and enlarged in 1823. The lot was at an 
early day owned by the Jesuits of Conewago, who had upon it a small log church, in 
which the Catholic congregation worshiped until the present one was built. 

Associate Presbyterian. 

The Associate Presbyterian congregation of Carlisle was organized in 1798. The 
lot on West street, upon which the church is built, was conveyed, in consideration of £,(>, 
by the Messrs. Penn, in 1796, to " Wm. Blair, Wm. Moore, John Smith, and John 
McCoy, Trustees of the Associate Presbyterian congregation, adhering to the subor- 
dination of the Associate Presbytery of Pennsylvania, of which the Rev. John Marshall 
and James Clarkson " were then members. The building was put up in 1802, and the 
Rev. Francis Pringle, their first pastor, called the same year. 

Evidence of Progress. 

The following extract from a letter written by Thomas S. Craighead, Junior, of 
White Hill, Cumberland county, and dated December i6th, 1845, will strike every 
one with interest, who is acquainted with the present prosperous condition of Cumber- 
land valley, as indicating the vast progress which has marked the last thirty years of 
its development : 

" I saw the first mail stage that passed through Carlisle to Pittsburg. It was a great wonder — the people 
said the proprietor was a great fool ; I think his name was Slough. I happened a short time ago to visit a 
friend, Jacob Ritner, son of th.it great and good man, Ex-Gov. Ritner, who now owns Captain Denny's farm 
who was killed during the Revolutionary War. The house had been a tavern, and in repairing it Mr. 
Ritner found some books, &c., which are a curiosity. Charge, — breakfast, ^1^20, dinner, horse feed, £t,o. 
Some charges still more extravagant, bat we know it was paid with Congress money. The poor soldier 
on his return, had poor money, but the rich boon, liberty, was a price to him far more valuable. So late 
as 1808, I hauled some materials to Oliver Evans' saw mill at Pittsburg. I was astonished to see a mill 
going without water. Mr. Evans satisfied my curiosity, by showing and explaining everything he could to 
me. He looked earnestly at me and said, you may live to see your wagons coming out here by steam. 
The words were so impressed that I have always remembered them. I have lived to see them go through 

2 



22 



MEN OF MARK. 



Cumherlanrl countv. and it seems to me, tliat I may ><;e them _i;o tlii'<>iiL;Ii to I'iltslnirg. lull I liave seen Mr. 
Evans' propheey fiillilled l)eyond what I thought possilile at the lime, Imt tilings have progressed at a rate 
miieh faster than tlie most gigantic minds hnagined, and we are onward still." 

Washington's Visit. 

In 1794, several thousand troops were assembled in Carlisle, on their way to quell 
the "Whiskey Insurrection." On the first of October, the Governoj- of the State 
arrived at Carlisle, and in the evening delivered an animated address in the Presbyterian 
church. On Saturday, the fourth, George Washington, President of the United States, 
accompanied by Secretary Hamilton, and his private Secretary, Mr. Dandridge, and a 
large company of soldiers, besides a great mass of yeomanry and many members of the 
House of Representatives, arrived. A line was formed, composed of cavalry, -with 
sixteen pieces of cannon, with the infantry from the various parts of Pennsylvania, 
amounting in the whole to near three thousand men. The Court House was illuminated 
in the evening, and a transparency exhibited with this inscription in front: "Washing- 
ton is ever triumphant," on the one side, and on the other side, "The reign of the 
Laws — Woe to arnarchists. 

The following letter was presented by a number of the principal citizens to the 
Father of his Country : 

TdGEiiRcE \Vasiiini:t(in, Esn., President of the United States. 

Sir ; — We, the subscribers, inhabitants of this borough, on behalf of ourselves and fellow citizens, friends 
to good order, government and the laws, approach you at this time, to express our sincere admiration of those 
virtues which have been uniformly exerted, with so much success, for the happiness of America; and 
which, at this critical period of impending foreign and domestic troidiles, have been manifested with dis- 
tinguished lustre. 

Though we deplore the cause which has collected in this borough all classes of virtuous citizens, yet 
it affords us the most heartfelt satisfaction to meet the Father of our Country, and brethren in aims, 
distinguished for their patriotism, their love of order, and attachment to the constitution and laws ; and 
while on the one hand we regret the occasion which has brouglit from their homes men of all situations who 
have made sacrifices, uaequaled in any other country, of their private interests to tlie public good, yet we 
are consoled by the consideration, that the citizens of the United States have evinced to our enemies abroad 
and the foes of our liappy constitution at home, that they not only have the will, but possess the power, to 
repel all foreign invaders, and to crush all domestic traitors. 

The history of the world affords us too many instances of the ilestriictiou of free governments by factious 
and unprincipled men. Yet the present insurrection and opposition to government is exceeded by none, 
either for its causeless origin, or for the extreme malignity and wickedness with which it has lieen executed. 

The unexampled clemency of our councils in tiieir endeavoui-s to bring to a sense of duty the western 
insurgents, and tlie ungrateful returns which have Iieen made by that deluded people, have united all good 
men in one common efi'ort to restore order and obedience to the laws, and to punish those who have 
neglected to avail themselves of, and have spurned at, tlie most tender and humane offers that have ever 
been made to rebels and traitors. 

We have viewed with pain the great industry, art, and misrepresentations which have been jiracticed to 
delude our fellow citizens. We trust that the effort of the general government, the combination of the good 
and virtuous against the vicious and factious, will cover with confusion the malevolent disturbers of the 
public peace, and afford to the well disposed the certainty of protection to their persons and property. 

The sword of justice, in the hands of our beloved President, can only be considered as an object of terror 
by the wicked, and will be looked up to liy the good and virtuous as their safeguard and protection. 

We bless that Providence which has preserved a life so valuable through so many important scenes — and 
we pray that He will continue to direct and (irosper the measures adopted by you for the security of our 
internal peace and stability ol our government; and that after a life of continued usefulness and glory, you 
may be rewarded with eternal felicity. 

To this Gen. Washington thus replied : 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 23 

Gentlemen : 

I thank you sincerely for your affectionate address. I feel as I ought, what is personal to me, and I 
caiinot but be particularly pleased with the enlightened and patriotic attachment which is manifested 
towards our happy constitution and the laws. 

When we look around and behold the universally acknowledged prosperity which blesses eveiy part of 
the United States, facts no less unequivBcal than those which are the lamented occasion of our present 
meeting were necessary to persuade us that any portion of our fellow citizens could be so deficient in dis- 
cernment or virtue, as to attempt to disturb a situation which, instead of munnurs and tumults, calls for our 
warmest gratitude to Heaven, and our earnest endeavours to preserve and prolong so favoured a lot. 

Let us hope that the delusion cannot be lasting ; that reason will speedily regain her empire, and the laws 
their just authority, where they have lost it. Let the wise and virtuous unite their efforts to reclaim the 
misguided, and to detect and defeat the arts of the factious. The union of good men is a basis on which 
the security of our internal peace and stability of our government may safely rest. It will always prove an 
adequate rampart against the vicious and disorderly. 

If in any case in which it may be indispensable to raise the sword of justice against obstinate offenders, 
I shall deprecate the necessity of deviating from a favourite aim, to establish the authority of the laws in the 
affections of all, rather than in the fears of anv. 

GEORdE WASHINGTON. 

Dickinson College. 

The inhabitants of Cumberland county, immediately after the Revolutionary war, 
showing their appreciation of a high grade for the education of young men in science, 
literature and theology, turned their attention to the establishment of a college within 
their bounds. They did not wait to repair the losses and sacrifices to which they had 
subjected themselves, by a military service in distant places, during the protracted 
war for American Independence, before they would provide for elevated education. 
They were ready to act at once in the matter, and this at a time when the government 
of the state, as well as that of the Confederation, was embarrassed with war debts, want 
of financial resources, and a confederation of independent states that was deficient in 
effective provisions, and in strength was little better than a rope of sand. The people 
were also called upon to meet heavy taxation, for local, state and national purposes, 
with little or no currency of value, and with very limited resources. Yet the spirit 
that animated with energy and resolution the men who had encountered the wilderness, 
defended the frontiers of the colony against the savages and their French allies, and 
given themselves up to the defence of their country against royal despotism and parlia- 
mentary usurpation, induced them to give their energies and perseverance, recruited 
by a short period of peace, to provide for education by an institution that would be 
worthy of public confidence and respect. Measures were taken to collect funds for it, 
and in 1783, a charter was obtained from the Legislature, by which the Institution was 
located at Carlisle, and called Dickinson College, in commemoration of John Dickin- 
son, President of the Supreme Executive Council of the State, who had been liberal in 
his donation to it. This Institution has graduated many young men of celebrity as 
lawyers, jurists, statesmen and divines, in this and other states. The Faculty was first 
organized in 1784, by the election of the Rev. Charles Nisbet, D. D., of Montrose, 
Scotland, as President, and the appointment of Mr. James Ross, as Professor of Lan- 
guages, to whom were added in the following year, the Rev. Robert Davidson, D. D., 
as Professor of Belles-Lettres, and Mr. Robert Johnston, Instructor in Mathematics. 
In 1798, the spot now occupied by the college buildings, between High and Louther 
streets and west of West street, was selected, and the first edifice erected and ready for 
use in 1802. The edifice was destroyed by fire in 1804, but the trustees proceeded to 
erect another, which' was completed in September, 1805, and is now known as the west 
college. Before the completion of this building, the college sustained a heavy loss in 



2A MEN OF MARK. 

the death of Dr. Nisbet, which occurred on tlie 14th of February, 1804. The office 
of President was exercised //v friiipore by Dr Davidson, until, in 1809, the Rev. Jere- 
miah Atwater, D. D , was elected to fill the vacancy. The Institution was prosperous 
under his direction, and the class of 181 2 was the largest that had graduated for twenty 
years. In 1815, President Atwater resigned, and the following year the operations of 
the college were suspended, and were not renewed till 1S21. In that year, the Rev. 
Tohn M. Mason, D. D., was called to preside over the Institution, and during the first 
part of his adminstration there was a considerable influ.K of students ; but previously 
to his resignation, which took place May ist, 1824, the college began to decline, and 
continued to languish, except for brief intervals, while under the presidency of Drs. 
Neill and Howe, until 1832, when the trustees determined that the operations of the 
Institution should cease. This result was, in a great measure, attributable to the want of 
attention and interest on the part of its trustees, and to dissensions prevailing with that 
portion of them living in the vicinity, to whom, as is usual with literary and religious 
institutions, its management was chiefly committed. 

In 1S33, the control of the college was transferred to the Baltimore, Philadelphia and 
New Jersey Annual Conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church, by the resignation, 
from time to time, of some of the trustees, and by the election of others, named by 'the 
said Conferences, in their stead, until finally a complete change was effected in the 
management of the Institution. By this change the college took a fresh start, and the 
organization of the Faculty was commenced by the election of the Rev. John P. Durbin, 
D. D., as President, and the establishment of a Law Department under the charge of 
John Reed, LL. D., the President Judge of the District. The other members of the 
first Faculty were Merritt Caldwell, A. M., and Robert Emory, D. D. 

Newville. 

JVncivi7/t' was incorporated February 26th, 181 7. About two miles from this bor- 
ough, in 1830, Mr. William Denning, who is here entitled to special mention, departed 
this life at his residence, in the 94th year of his age. "The deceased," says Hazard,* 
" was an artificer in the army of the Revolution. He it was who, in the days of his 
country's need, made the only successful attempt ever made in the itwid to manufacture 
wrought iron cannon, two of which he completed at Middlesex in this county, and com- 
menced another and larger one at Mount Holly, but could get no one to assist him who 
could stand the heat, which is said to have been so great as to melt the buttons on his 
clothes. This unfinished piece it is said, lies as he left it, at either Holly Forge or the 
Carlisle Barracks. One of those com])leted was taken by the British at the battle of 
Brandywine, and is now in the Tower of London. The British government offered a 
large sum, and a stated annuity, to the person who would instruct them in the manu- 
facture of that article, but the patriotic blacksmith preferred obscurity and poverty in 
his own beloved country, to wealth and affluence in that of her oppressors, although 
that country for which he did so much kept her purse closed from the veteran soldier till 
near the close of his long life, and it often required the 7i)hole weight of his well-known 
character for honesty, to save him from the severest pangs of poverty. When such 
characters are neglected by a rich grovernment, it is no wonder that some folks think 
Republics ungrateful." 

Big Spring Congregation. 

Of the Big Spring congregation, (Presbyterian,) or Hopewell, as it was then called, 

* Register, Vol- 7. 



7 16 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 25 

the Rev. Thomas Craighead was the first pastor. He was called in 1737, installed in 
October, 1738, and died in June of the ensuing year. In relation to him, one of his 
lineal descendants, Thomas Craighead, Jr., then living at White Hill, Cumberland 
county, thus wrote, under date of December i6th, 1845, 'o M""- Rupp : 

" At Big Spring, protracted meetings were held for public worship. So powerful, it is said, were the 
influences of the Spirit, that the worshipers felt loath, even after having exhausted their stores of provisions, 
to disperse. I have heard it from the lips of those present, when Thomas Craighead delivered one of the 
parting discourses, that his flow of eloquence seemed supernatural, — he continued in bursts of eloquence 
while his audience was melted to tears, himself, however, exhausted, hurried to pronounce the blessing, 
waving his hand, and as he pronounced the words, ' farewell, farewell !' he sank down, and expired without 
a groan or struggle. His remains rest where the church now stands, the only monument of his memory." 

After Mr. Craighead's demise, Mr. James Lyon, of Ireland, supplied the pulpit at 
Hopewell for some months. After his term of service liad expired, Big Spring was 
connected with Rocky Spring and Middle Spring, as a charge, under an arrangement 
" that the minister's labours be equ.illy divided in a third part to each place, as being 
most for the glory of God and good of His people." The next point at which it is pos- 
sible to write with any cor.fidence of the regular occupancy of this pulpit is 1759. In 
that year the Rev. George Dufifield was installed over Carlisle and Big Spring. The 
Rev. William Linn was Mr. Diiffield's successor over the latter church when it became 
a .separate charge. He resigned the pastorate in 1784. Mr. Linn was succeeded by the 
Rev. Samuel Wilson, who continued with the church until he was removed by death, in 
March, 1799. The call which he received to take charge of the church is still in the 
possession of his descendants, in which the congregation promises to Mr. Wilson " the 
sum of one hundred and fifty pounds, Pennsylvania currency, in specie, and to allow 
him the use of the dwelling-house, barn, and all the clear land on the glebe, possessed 
by their former minister, also plenty of timber for rails and fire-wood, likewise a suffi- 
cient security for the payment of the above mentioned sums during his incumbency." 
The Rev. Joshua Williams, D. D., was called to Big Spring church in 1802, and 
resigned the pastorate about 1829. His successors have been, the Rev. Robert 
McCachren, who was pastor until 185 1, the Rev. Mr. Henderson, the Rev. Mr. Maury, 
and the Rev. E. Erskine, D. D. The earliest elders of Big Spring, now known, were 
John Carson, John McKeehan, John Bell, David Ralston, Sr., Thomas Jacobs, Alexan- 
der Thompson, William Lindsay, and Atcheson Laughlin. 

Progress of the Place. 

It is with Newville now, as with other localities in Cumberland valley — in gazing 
upon it the mind is filled with amazement at the mighty change which has taken place. 
The time is almost within the memory of some who live, when the dark shadows of the 
gloomy forest fell upon all that region, and the savage Indian roamed over the surround- 
ing hills and valleys, but now the eye is there called to survey a large and prosperous 
town, with admirable schools and handsome churches, the circumjacent country highly 
cultivated, and densely inhabited with a moral and religious popidation, the whistle 
of the rushing rail-car having taken the place of the war-whoop,* as travelers are borne 
along with rapid speed, and the quiet magnetic wires annihilating both time and space 
with the electric celerity of their communications. 

Middle Spring. 
The Presbyterian church at Middle Spring, about two miles north of Shippensburg, 

* The Ciiinberlaiid VaUey Railroad was incorporated in 1834. 



26 MEN OF MARK. 

came into existence about tlie year 1740. In 1738, a place of worship was erected, 
wiiicli was a log building, near the gate of the " Lower Graveyard," about thirty-five 
feet square. Sjon this edifice, in which, for a while there was preaching only four or 
five times a year, was found to be too small to accommodate the people, and it was de- 
molished, and another of the same material erected on the same spot. This was consid- 
erably larger, being about fifty-eight feet long and forty-eight feet wide. In a little 
while it becauie necessary again that the house of worship should have its capacity ex- 
tended, and tiiis desideratum was effected by removing three sides of the building then 
in use, and embracing a little more space on either side, which was covered with a roof, 
something in the form of a shed. Up the sides of these additions to the main edifice, 
and over the roofs, were fixed wooden steps, by which access was gained into the gallery. 
This arrangement was made for want of room in the interior of the building for the 
construction of a stairway. About the year 17S1, the old stone church was erected, 
whose site, as many yet living well remember, was beside that of the present building. 
This was still larger than its predecessor (being fifty-eight by sixty-eight feet), and was 
necessarily so, by reason of the rapid increase of population. About the same time 
that this church was built, and which, for its day, was one of more than ordinary 
elegance, ]the graveyard, immediately in its rear, was located. The present building at 
Middle Spring was erected in 184S. 

Trials before Session. 

The subjoined extracts from the Session-Book of this church, will serve to show the 
spirit of the times : 

" 1744. The Session condemn D. S.'s manner of expressing himself, as being vei-y untender to his 
neighbour's chaYacter, and appoint the Moderator to occasion to warn their people against speaking abroad 
slanderous reports upon neighbours, either privately, or more publicly in company, and more especially when 
they have no solid grounds for, or knowledge of them, as being very inconscientious, discovering a will- 
ingness or disposition to take up an ill report, a breach of the ninth commandment, in backbiting their 
neighbour, wounding to religion, having a tendency to fill the minds of people with jealousies, and thereby 
exposing church judicatories oftentimes to reflections, as tho' they covered sin, when upon tryal they can't 
find guilt." 

"1746. J. P. was cited to the Session for taking venison from an Indian, and giving him meal and butter 
for it on the .Sabbath day. J. P. appeared and acknowledged that being at home one .Sabbath day, he 
heard a gun go ofV twice quickly after each other, and said he would go out and see what it was, his wife 
dissuading him, he said he would go and see if he could hear the Horse-bell : having gone a little way he 
saw an Indian, who had just killed a fawn and dressed it : the Indian coming towards the house with him 
to get some victuals, having, he said, eat nothing that morning, he saw a deer, and shot it, and charged and 
shot again at another, which ran away. Said P. stood by the Indian until he skin'd the deer; when he 
had done he told said P. he might take it in if he wou'd, for he would take no more with him ; upon which 
said P. and W. K., who then had come to them, took it up, and carry'd it in ; when he h.a(l given the 
Indian his breakfast, said Indian ask'd if he had any meal, he said he had, and gave him some ; then the 
Indian ask'd for Vjutter, and asking his wife about it, he gave the Indian some ; but he denies that he gave 
these things as a reward for the venison, inasmuch as they had made no liargain about it. 

"The Session judge that J. P. do acknowledge his breach of Sabbath in this matter, and be rebuk'd 
before the .Session for his sin." 

Tlie Rev. Mr. C^alls, of Ireland, and the Rev. Mr. Clarke, of Scotland, served the 
congregation of Middle Spring, each of them about six months or a year. They were 
succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Blair, of the duration of whose pastorate we are not able to 
write. Nothing definite is known of the supply of the pulpit until 1765, when the 
Rev. Robert Cooper was chosen overseer of the flock. Dr. Cooper continued in the 
pastoral relation imtil 1797. The Rev. John Moodey succeeded Dr. Cooper in 1803 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 27 

and continued in office about fifty years. The pastors of the church, since his resigna- 
tion, have been the Rev. Messrs. Hays, Richardson, and Wylie. 

Shippensburg. 

This borough, called after its original proprietor, Edward Shippen, and the oldest town, 
except York, in Pennsylvania, was incorporated January 21st, 1819. During the 
French and Indian wars, two forts, Fort Morris and Fort Franklin, were erecte<I there, 
the remains of one of which were, until within a few years, still to be seen. Some 
idea of the size and condition of the place, about a century and a quarter since, may 
be derived from the subjoined e.xtracts from a letter dated June 14th, 1755, to Gover- 
nor Morris, from Charles Swaine, who was then on a visit to the place on public busi- 
ness : 

"I judge there are sufficient liuildings for storing the provisions without erecting any." 
" I find not above two pastures here, those but mean .as to grass, from drought, but there is a fine range 
of for.age for upwards of four miles in the woods, quite to the foot of the South mountain." 

The present prosperous condition of the town contrasts pleasantly with its feeble be- 
ginning. In it, in its early history, many of the frontier settlers in their flight for life 
from the Indians, took reftige. " In July, 1763," says Gordon* " there were here, one 
thousand three htmdred and eighty-four of these poor, distressed inhabitants. Of these, 
three hundred and one were male adults, three hundred and forty-five women, and seven 
hundred and thirty-eight children, many of whom were obliged to lie in stables, barns, 
cellars, and under old leaky sheds, the dwelling houses being all crowded. The inhabi- 
tants were kept in constant alarm for eight or ten years, not knowing at what moment 
they would be surprised by a blood-thirsty enemy." The same author says : "The 
17th of March, 1764, the Indians carried off five people from within nine miles of Ship- 
pensburg, and shot one man through the body. The enemy, supposed to be eleven 
in number, were pursued successfully by about one hundred provincials. The houses of 
John Stewart, Adam Simms, James McCr.mman, William Baird, James Kelly, Stephen 
Caldwell and John Boyd were burnt. These people lost all their grain, which they 
had threshed out, with the intention to send it, for safety, further down among the 
inhabitants." 

Churches. 

One of the earliest churches in Shippensburg was the Associate Reformed PresHtcrian. 
Until this organization was effected the Episcopal element was, perhaps, dominant in 
the borough, through the influence of Mr. Shippen, the proprietor, who was connected 
with that denomination. This church was under the care of the Second Presbytery of 
Philadelphia, in connection with the Associate Reformed Synod. Its first pastor was 
the Rev. James Walker, who resigned the charge in 1820. The pulpit was then filled 
by the Rev. Thomas M. Strong. In 1823, the Rev. Henry R. Wilson was called, with 
the permission of the Presbytery, to take charge of the congregation, and continued in 
connection with that body until 1825, when it was dissolved, and~he was received by 
the Presbytery of Carlisle. Dr. Wilson continued to be pastor of the church until 
1839. The Rev. James Harper, D. D., was the successor of Dr. Wilson, assuming the 
pastorate in 1840, and withdrawing from it in 1872. The Rev. W. W. Taylor, of 
Philadelphia, then took charge of the congregation, serving them for two years. 

The first elders of this church, of whCim there is any record, were John Means and 

__ 'y . 

* History •.•" Pennsylvania. 



2C! MEN OF MARK. 

William Bard. The following persons have since successively constituted the session : 
George McGinniss, John Reside, Daniel Henderson, Stephen Culbertson, Benjan\in 
Reynolds, Alexander P. Kelso, William Rankin, M. D., Robert Mateer, Benjamin 
Snodgrass. John Mateer, John Craig, John Bridges, and Robert C. Hays, M. D. 

The old white church, in which the congregation worshiped for many years, was a 
short time after Dr. Harper's settlement, claimed by a few Associate Reformed mem- 
bers still resident in the place, and their claim was confirmed by an appeal to the civil 
law. The Presbyterian congregation then erected a neat edifice for worship in another 
part of the town, which, after standing some years, gave place to the present beautiful 
and commodious structure, so creditable to the taste and liberality of the people. 

Methodist, Lutheran and German Reformed congregations were organized in this 
place at an early day, and all of them now have handsome and convenient churches. 

One of tile principal ornaments of Shippensburg is the very large and handsome 
Cumberland Valley State Normal School, of which we here furnish a picture. The 
charter of this institution was secured in April, 1870, its corner-stone was laid with 
Masonic rites May 31st, 1871, it was accepted by the State authorities as a State Normal 
School for the Seventh Normal District July 22d, 1873, ^"d it was inaugurated April 
15th, 1873, 'hs school opening with three hundred students in attendance. The ground 
owned by it embraces ten acres which are admirably adapted for ornamentation and 
use, and the cost of which inclusive of that of the buildings, was about ^135,000. Of 
this amount the state paid ^40,000, and ;g6o,ooo have been raised by private subscrip- 
tion to the stock of the Institution. Its present Principal is George P. Beard. Its 
Board of Trustees consists of Hon. A. G. Miller, Hon. Lemuel Todd, John A. Craig, 
K. J. McCune, George R. Dykeman, Hon. Geo. W. Skinner, H. G. Skiles, J. A. C. 
McCune, John Grabill, Samuel M. Wherry, William Mell, N. L. Dykeman, C. L. 
Shade, and J. H. McCullough. 

A Tradition of Conococheague Valley. 

Before Franklin county was established, September 9th, 1784, it constituted the 
southwestern part of Cumberland county, and was designated " The Conococheague set- 
tlement," from its principal stream, the Conococheague creek. It is a tradition that 
a great part of the best lands in the Conococheague Valley were, at the first settlement of 
the county, what is now called in the Western states prairie. The land was without 
timber, covered with a rich luxuriant grass, with some scattered trees, hazel-bushes, 
wild plums, and crab apples. It was then called generally " the barrens." Tiie timber 
was to be found on or near the water-courses, and on the slate soil. This accounts for 
the preference given by the early Scotch-Irish settlers to the slate lands, before the lime- 
stone lands were surveyed or located. The slate had the attractions of wood, water- 
courses and meadows, and was free from rock at the surface. Before the introduction 
of clover, artificial grasses, and the improved system of agriculture, the hilly limestone 
land had its soil washed off, was disfigured with great gullies, and was sold as unprofitable, 
for a trifle, by the proprietors, who sought other lands in Western Pennsylvania. 

Early Settlers at Chambersburg. 

Among the first to explore and settle the Kittochtinny valley, were four adventurous 
brothers, James, Robert, Joseph and Benjamin Chambers, who emigrated from the 
county of Antrim, in Ireland, to the provi'ice of Pennsylvania, between the years 
1726 and 1730. Benjamin, the youngest bro' ler, settled permanently at the confluence 
of Falling Spring and Conococheague creek? , where Chambersburg is situated. He was 

/ 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 29 

the first white settler in what is known as Franklin county. The interesting incidents 
which marked the early history of Col. Chambers, are presented in his sketch in 
the body of this volume, to which the reader is respectfully referred. His career 
as a pioneer was characterized by a remarkable degree of energy, courage, decision, 
self-denial, sound judgment and practical tact, under which the wilderness and the 
solitary place blossomed with the indications of the march of civilization and the power 
of religious influence. He maintained a friendly intercourse with the Indians in his 
vicinity, who were attached to him ; with them he traded and had so much of their 
confidence and respect that they did not injure him or offer to molest him. 

When, however, the western Indians, after Braddock's defeat, in 1735, became 
troublesome, and made incursions east of the mountains, killing and making prisoners 
of many of the white inhabitants, Col. Chambers, for the security of his family and 
neighbours, found it necessary to erect, where the borough of Chambersburg now is, a 
large stone dwelling-house, surrounded by the water from Falling Spring, and situated 
where the straw paper-mill now is. The dwelling-house, for greater security against the 
attempts of the Indians to fire it, was roofed with lead. The dwellings and the mills 
were surrounded by a stockade fort. This fort, with the aid of fire-arms, a blunderbuss, 
and swivel, was so formidable to the Indian parties who passed the country, that it was 
but seldom assailed, and no one sheltered by it was killed or wounded, although in the 
country around, at different times, those who ventured out on their farms were surprised 
and either slaughtered or carried off prisoners, with all the horrors and aggravations of 
savage warfare. A man by the name of McKinney, who had sought shelter with his 
family in the fort about 1756, ventured out in company with his son to visit his dwelling 
and plantation, where the Hollywell paper-mill is, on the creek below Chambersburg. 
They were discovered, however, by the Indians, and both killed and scalped, and their 
dead bodies brought to the fort and buried. 

Chambersburg Laid Out. 

In 1764 Col. Chambers laid out the town of Chambersburg, adjoining his mills. The 
intercourse with the western country being at that time very limited, and most of the 
trade and travel along the valley to the south, he was induced to lay his lots in that 
direction, and the town did not extend beyond the creek to the west. The increasing 
trade with the western country, after the Revolution, produced an extension of the town 
on the west side of the creek, which was located by Capt. Benjamin Chambers, son of 
the Colonel, about 1791- The first stone house erected in the town is still standing at 
the northwest corner of the Diamond, built by J. Jack, about 1770, and now owned by 
Mrs. Lewis Denig. The first courts holden in the county were in this house, up stairs, 
and on one occasion, the crowd was so great as to strain the beams, and fracture the 
walls, causing great confusion and alarm to the court and bar.* The first tavern in the 
place was kept by Robert Jack, in a little log-house which stood where the bank now 
is. Chambersburg remained but a small village until after the erection of Franklin into 
a separate county in 1784, since which period it has progressively improved, until it has 
become one of the most beautiful and flourishing inland towns of the State. 

Col. Chambers had appropriated to the use of the public for a burial-ground a 
romantic cedar grove on the banks of the creek. This spot still retains some of the 

•The first court was held September isth, 1784, before Humphrey Fullerton, Esq., Thomas Johnson, Esq., and James 
Kinley, Esq. Edward Crawford, clerk. The second court was held December ad, before William McDowell, Esq., Hum- 
phrey Fullerton, Esq., and James Finley, Esq. Jeremiah T.-ilbot, sheriff. The Grand Jury consisted of James Poe, Henry 
Poweling, William Allison, William McDowell, Robert Wiklin John McConnell, John McCarny, John Ray, John Jack, Jr., 
John Dickson, D. McClintick, Joseph Chambers and Joseph Lo \g. — Rupp. 



30 MEN OF MARK. 

beauties of nature and rural scenery. This, with some additional grounds, he conveyed 
by deed of gift to P. Varen and others, as trustees, on the ist of January, 1768, "in 
trust for the Presbyterian congregation of the Falling Spring, now professing and 
adhering to, and that shall hereafter adhere to and profess, the Westminster profession 
of faith and the mode of church government therein contained, and to and for the use of 
a meeting-house or Presbyterian church, session house, school house, graveyard, and 
such religious purposes." Of this congregation he was an efficient, active and attentive 
member. He also continued a member of the board of trustees until 1787, when on 
account of his advanced age and infirmities, he asked leave to resign. His deatii 
occurred Feb. 17th of the ensuing year.* 

Church .'\t Chambersburg. 

In the cedar grove, already referred to, and near the spot where the present church 
edifice stands, there was erected a small log building, in 1739, for the double purpose 
of a school house and place of worship. It was entered by a door on the eastern side 
and another on the southern, and lighted by long, narrow windows, which were of the 
width of two small panes of glass, and reached from one end to the other of the building. 
When this house, as was frequently the case, proved too small to accommodate all who 
wished to worship in it, the congregation abandoned it for the time in favour of Col. 
Chambers' saw-mill, which stood on the bank of the creek, on what is now known as 
"The Island," and which was surrounded by a lovely green plot. On that grassy 
space, when it was at all proper, they gathered around, seated themselves, and listened 
with interest and eagerness to the messages of God from his commissioned ambassador. 

In 1767, this rude log structure was demolished, and another edifice for sacred 
services erected, which was considerably larger than its predecessor, being about thirty- 
five by seventy feet, and was of better finished material. It stood where the present 
ciiurch does, thougli its position was somewhat different, as it presented a side view to 
the street. 

The present church edifice of Falling Spring, which was erected in 1S03, and had 
been several times remodeled since, is at once simple, neat, and beautiful. Its elevated 
site, also, is a most desirable one, calling as it does for those who worship within the 
sanctuary, to leave the pursuits and associations of a bustling yet fading world, and 
come up to the service of the Lord. The shadows which fall around it, likewise, from 
trees which were standing when the footstep of the white man first broke the silence of 
the wilderijess, are not without their deep significance, neither is the ivy which covers 
its walls, as if to bear constant testimony to the truth, that, with a steadiness and 
tenacity which neither sunshine nor storm nor revolving seasons can impair, man's affec- 
tions should rise above the earth, clear to the risen Saviour, and cluster around the 
church which He hath purchased with His precious blood. 

The first pastor of Falling Spring church — Rev. Mr Caven, resigned his relation in 
1 741. His successor, in 1767, was the Rev. James Lang, or Long. After Mr. Lang, 
1794, came the Rev. William Speer, whose pastoral relation was dissolved in 1797. 
The Rev. David Denny then took charge of the congregation, and continued to labour 
among them until 1838. Mr. Denny was followed in the pastorate, by the Re\-. 
William Adam, the Rev. Daniel McKinlcy, D. D , the Rev. Joseph Clarke, the Rev. 
Mr. Fine, the Rev. S. J. Niccolls, D. D., and the present incumbent, the Rev. J. h. 
Crawford, D. D. 



£ 



* From a manuscripi >kcich writtc 5by the Hon. George Chambers in 1832. 



■M- 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 3 1 

Early in the history of Chambersburg, German Reformed, Lutheran, and Metho- 
dist churches were organized, which, until now, have had a flourishing existence. 
There is also a Catholic church in the place. 

Chambersburg is one of the handsomest towns in the interior of Pennsylvania, and 
has always had an intelligent, orderly and cultivated population. It was well worthy of 
being selected as the site of that excellent institution, "Wilson Female College," of 
which we are able to give our readers a correct representation. 

RocRY Spring. 

As the population of Franklin county increased, new churches were needed for the 
convenience of the people, and gradually sprang into existence. Prominent among 
these was the church at Rocky Spring, about four miles from Chambersburg, on 
the tortuous road which runs over the Slate hills, towards Strasburg. The original 
edifice, which was built about the time the ancient congregation was organized, stood 
between the present building and the graveyard. It stood pretty much in the relation 
to the points of the compass which the new church sustains, the front being towards the 
south, and smaller ends facing the east and west. It was erected about one hundred 
and thirty-two years ago, and was a rough log building, a story and a half high, and 
was built in the rude style of architecture peculiar to that early day. It had one row of 
windows on the lower story, the lights of which were small and few in number. It was 
entered by two doors, which were placed in the eastern and western ends of the house. 
The doors were small and single ; they were made of plain boards without any panel 
work. 

The present building, an ancient and time-worn structure, was built in 1794, by 
Mr. Walter Beatty. The old building having in the course of years become incapable 
of accommodating the growing congregation, an addition to the house was built by 
constructing a small square building, which was attached to the south side of the 
church, and which extended only one-half the length of the main structure. The 
roof was then continued over it from the original edifice. When completed the wall 
between it and the church was sawn away There were no windows in this addition, 
and it was consequently poorly .supplied with light. In a few years after this alteration 
the increasing size of the congregation demanded still more room, and another similar 
addition was built by its side. These alterations gave the house a singular, slanting 
appearance towards the south end. 

About the time the original church was erected there was also built a small, rough 
log structure, about fifteen feet square, with a wide fire-place, and a large wooden 
chimney covered with mortar, and extending nearly along the whole end of the house. 
This structure stood close by the church at the northeastern end, and was called *he 
" Study House." Tradition says it was originally built as a receptacle f ''>e saduies 
of the members in rainy weather, as in those early days they generally came to church 
on horseback, carriages and other vehicles being rarely used. In later years, the 
minister was accustomed to use it in prepding for the services, when he chanced to 
arrive before the hour at which they began. The church Session also met here and 
arranged the business of the church and examined candidates for admission to member- 
ship. After the first service, the minister would resort to it to prepare for any afternoon 
service which was to be held. The "Study House " stood for nearly a century, and 
not very many years have elapsed since its removal. 

The first pastor of Rocky Spring church was the Rev. Mr. Craighead. In the grave- 
yard, on broken pieces of stone slab, may be read the following inscription : 



32 MEN OF MARK. 

" In memory of the Rev. John Craighead, who departed tliis life the 20th day of 
April, A. D., 1799, aged 57 years. Ordained to preach the gospel and installed pastor 
of the congregation of Rocky Spring, on the 13th of April, A. D., 1768. He was a 
faithful and zealous servant of Jesus Christ." 

Mr. Craighead's successor was the Rev. Francis Herron, D. D., who after ten years 
of service among the congregation was chosen pastor of the First Presbyterian church 
of Pittsburg. After Dr. Herron's removal the Rev. John McKnight, D. D, ministered 
to the people for several years, when his pastoral relation was interrupted by an 
invitation to preside over Dickinson college. The vacancy thus occasioned was 
supplied by his son, the Rev. Dr. John McKnight, who, after preaching several 
years, removed to Philadelphia. In 1840 a call from " Campbellstown and Rocky 
Spring" to Rev. A. K. Nelson, with the understanding that the half of his time was 
to be given to each of these congregations, was accepted by him, and Mr. Nelson 
continues to be the pastor to this writing. 

More Indian Hostilities. 

Further proof of the annoyance to which the inhabitants of Cumberland valley were 
subjected by the inroads of the Indians, who murdered the people, burned their houses 
and barns, destroyed their crops and committed the usual atrocities characteristic of 
savage warfare, is furnished by the operations of the savages in the neighbourhood of 
Strasburg and Roxbury, from which and their vicinage the congregation of Rocky 
Sjjring was largely drawn. On one occasion the Indians captured a number of persons 
in the neighbourhood of and not far from Rocky Spring, and proceeded with their 
prisoners toward Bedford. About the same time another party burned the fort (which 
then stood near Bossart's mill,) after shooting the only man who happened to be in at 
the time, and then followed in the same direction taken by the preceding gang. A 
company of the inhabitants of the neighbourhood, under the command of Captain 
Alexander Culbertson, went in pursuit of the Indians and overtook them near Sideling 
Hill. A desperate fight ensued in which the company of Capt. C. was defeated and 
himself killed. A number of the men were made prisoners and carried off by 
the Indians. The stream known as "Bloody Run" is .supposed by some to have 
derived its name from this battle, which is represented to have occurred in its vicinity. 

Major McCalmont. 

Just at this point special notice is due of James McCalmont, Esq , who lived near 
Strasburg, who was a Major in the Revolutionary war, and who became distinguished 
as a brave and accomplished soldier. This gentleman,* was generally selected as the 
leader of the parties sent in pursuit of the savages after the perpetration of their 
numerous hostile acts, and from his success in discovering their haunts and inflicting 
summary vengeance upon them for their atrocities, he became quite celebrated as an 
Indian himter, and was considered by the savages as a daring and formidable foe. As a 
Lush-fighter he was quite e(iual to the most wily Indian. One day he met unexpectedly 
a tall, desperate-looking savage, while alone in the woods near his residence. Both 
happening to see each other simultaneously, took to trees, and each endeavored to get 
a shot at his antagonist. After evading each other for some time the savage incautiously 
peeped from behind the tree, and instantly receive 1 a ball from the rifle of his 
dexterous enemy. Upon another occasion, while returning home from Chambersburg, 



♦Sketch of Rocky Spring churfli. by William C. Lane. M. D. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 33 

he was pursued by a party of Indians who were bent on securing the scalp of their old 
and hated enemy. After running for a considerable distance, he darted into a barn 
which stood near by, and escaped out of the other side, and secreted himself in a 
thicket unobserved by his pursuers. The savages supposing he was yet in the barn set 
it on fire, and stood around it yelling in exultation at their supposed success in 
capturing their foe. When they discovered that they were baffled they commenced the 
search after the Major, and soon found his trail and again joined hotly in the 
pursuit. The Major was remarkable for his swiftness of foot, and succeeded in 
outrunning the Indians, who pursued him to the fort at Shippensburg. They often 
chased him to this fort, it is said, and on several occasions he selected men from the 
garrison and in turn pursued the Indians and avenged himself by returning with their 
scalps. During the war the Major was working one day in the field with several other 
persons at harvest-time. The guns of the party were in a distant part of the field. A 
gang of several prowling savages suddenly sprang from the thicket, and one, more bold 
than the rest, ran for the guns. McCalmont also started off on the same errand, and, 
although the Indian had the advantage of the ground, reached the guns first, one of 
which he snatched from the stack, and with it shot the savage dead. The settlers 
coming up soon after the Major, the Indians retreated He wa; considered by the 
Indians as quite as swift a runner as they, and fully equal to themselves in all the wiles 
and strategy of their peculiar warfare. In consequence of his extraordinary fleetness 
and agility, they bestowed on him the appellation of " Supple McCalmont." On the 
southwestern side of the town of Strasburg there is a cave called "McCalmont's Cave," 
in which he was accustomed to hide when closely pursued by the Indians. It was in 
the midst of a thicket, and so covered with thick vines and bushes that it afforded an 
admirable retreat in times of danger. 

The major was a tall, muscular man, of modest and unpretending manners. In 
private life, his quiet, diffident deportment gave no indication of the dauntless 
spirit of the man, of which he presented so many evidences in his encounters 
with the Indians, as well as with the British army during his campaign under General 
Washington. After the conclusion of the war, he was appointed one of the Associate 
Judges of Franklin county, soon after its formation. He died at Strasburg, in 1809, 
and his remains are interred in the graveyard of Rocky Spring. 

Companies Formed for Defence. 

During the eight years and more in which the Kittochtinny valley was harassed with 
the ravages and cruelties of savage warfare, the defence of it being cast almost entirely 
on the inhabitants by the remissness of the Royal and Provincial Governments to 
provide for the public defence, men frequently organized themselves into military 
companies, under the command of some selected leader. Among the first companies 
organized in West Conococheague, on the bloody outbreak of the Delaware Indians, 
in 1755, was one which chose for its captain, the Rev. John Steele, their Presbyterian 
pastor. This command was accepted by Mr. Steele, and e.xecuted with so much skill, 
bravery and judgment, as to commend him to the Provincial Government, which 
appointed him a captain of the Provincial troops. This appointment he held for 
many years, to the benefit of the public service, and the satisfaction of the Govern- 
ment.* 

*Mr. Steele was reputed a sound divine, of piety and learning, and did not relinquish the ministry for arms. Such was the 
state of the country, that he often exercised his ministry with his gun at his side, addressing Vis congregation, the men of 
which had their weapons within reach. 



■> 1 J//r.\^ Of MARK. 

AlU SOLUITED. 

In 1763, a petition was presented to the Assembly by the inhabitants of Great Cove, 
and Cono(0( heagiie, setting forth, that the jjetitioners, by recent depredations and 
ravages oftlic Indians, committed on their neiglibours, being in very imminent danger, 
were under the necessity of taking into pay a number of men, amounting to thirty, 
accustomed to hunting, endured to hardships, and well accjuainted with the country, for 
the protection of themselves and families, and " humbly praying the house would take 
the [jremises into (H)nsideration, and enable them to continue the aforesaid body of men, 
in such manner, and subject to such directions, as they should judge most proper and 
advantageous." 

Creen Castle. 

The town of Green Castle was laid out by Colonel John Allison in the yeaf 1782, 
and incor])orated by an Act of Assembly, March 25th, 1805. Among the first settlers 
here were ( "rawfords, Statlers, Nighs, McCuUoughs, Carsons, Clarks, Watsons, 
Davisons, (irubbs, Lawrences, McClellands. 

Murder ev the Indi.ans. 

'riie neighbourhood of Green Castle is memorable for a cruel murder, committed by 
the Indians in 1764. John McCullough, in his narrative, thus refers to the massacre : 

" Some liiiie in llie summer, whilst we were living at Kiil-ho-ling, a great number of Indians collected 
at the forks (jf Moos Jiiiig-oong. Perhaps there were about three hundred or upwards. Their intention was to 
eome to the settlement and make a general massacre of the whole people, without any regard to age or sex. 
They were out about ten days, when most of them returned. Having held a council, they concluded that it 
was not safe for them to leave their towns destitute of defence. However, several small parties went to 
different parts of the settlements ; it happened that three of them, whom I was well acquainted with, came 
to the neighbourhood of where I was taken from — they were young fellows, perhaps none of them more 
than twenty years of age ; they came to a school house, where they murdered and scalped the master and 
all the scholars, except one, who survived after he was scalped; a boy about ten years old, a full cousin of 
mine. I saw the Indians when they returned home with the scalps, some of the old Indians -were veiy 
much displeased at tliem for killing so many children, especially Xeep-paiig/i-'wht-se, or Night Walker, an 
old chief, or half king. lie attributed it to cowardice, which was the greatest affront he could offer them."* 

kithard lianl. also, in his narrative, makes the following allusions to this memorable 
and melancholy event : 

" .\ceording to the best accounts of the time, my father and his family, from fear of the Indians, having 
moved lo my grandfather's, Thomas I'oe's, .about three miles from his own place, took a black girl with 
him lo his own place to make some hay, and being there at work, a dog which he had with him began to 
bark and rim towards and from a thicket of bushes. Observing tliese circumstances, he became alarmed, 
and taking up his gun, told the girl to run to the house, for he believed there were Indians near. So they 
made towards the house, and had not been there more than an hour, when from the left of the house they 
saw a parly, commanded by Captain Totter, late General Potter, in pursuit of a jiarty of Indians who had 
that morning (July 26th, 1764,) murdered a schoolm.aster of the name of Brown, with ten small children, 
and scal]ied and left for dead one by the name of .Archibald McCullough, who recovered, and waj living 
not long since. It was remarkable that with but few exceptions the scholars were much averee to going to 
school that morning. .\nd the account given by McCullough is, that when the master and the scholars met 
at the school, two of the scholars informed him that on their way they had seen Indians; but the informa- 
tion was not attended to by the master, who ordered them to their books. Soon afterwards two old Indians 
and a boy rushed up to the door. The master, seeing them, prayed them only to take his life, and spare 
the children; but, unfeelingly, the two old Indians stooil .at the door, whilst the boy entered the house and, 
with a piece of wood made in the fonn of an Indian maul, killed the ma-ster and scholars, after which the 
whole of them were scalped." f 



• I.oudon's Narratives, I, 334, ^ Incidents of Border Lift, p. izi. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 35 

The schoolhouse, to which reference is made in these extracts, stood on a farm about 
three miles from Green Castle. Some of the remains of it existed as late as 1845, and 
marked the place of its location. " It was," says a citizen of that borough, in a letter 
written in the year just mentioned, " truly a solitary one, and would be considered scat 
this day. It was situated on the brow of a hill. In the front of it there is a ravine, 
deep and dismal. On the north and west the surrounding hills are covered with a thick 
growth of underwood." 

CONOCOCHEAGUE SETTLEMENT. 

The " Conococheague Settlement " having many natural advantages, and being fed 
from the older counties as well as from the old world, was of rapid growth, and the 
nucleus of the settlement from the beginning was a Presbyterian church. It appears 
that the whole Conococheague settlement, including Chambersburg and the portions 
of the valley lying farther west and south, was at first under the supervision of the 
Presbytery of Donegal, in the care of a single minister, and that Divine service was 
held at different points for the better accommodation of all the people. In 1 736 we find 
this Presbytery refusing to sanction the employment of a Mr. Williams, from England, 
who was then preaching in the settlement, and th: people allowed to make application 
to the Presbytery of New Castle. In November, i'837, Mr Samuel Cavin, a licentiate 
under the care of the Donegal Presbytery, was ordered to the Conococheague to labour as 
a supply. During the ensuing year another licentiate, Mr. Samuel Thompson, seems to 
have spent part of his time, by invitation, among the people of Conococheague. It soon 
became apparent, however, that the territory of the settlement was too extensive to be 
embraced within the limits of a single organization. Accordingly, in 1738, the people of 
the settlement agreed in an amicable way to separate and form two congregations, the one 
to be called "East Conococheague," and the other to becalled "West Conococheague." 
In that agreement it was stipulated that the boundary line between them should be "west 
from Alexander Dunlap's to the fork of the creek, and thence the creek to be the line 
until it came to the line of the Province." 

E.\ST Conococheague. 

At the time the settlement agreed to divide into two congregations, the people of 
East Conococheague made out a call for the pastoral services of the Rev. Mr. Cavin, 
which was accepted. At this time, this congregation and that of Falling S])ring were 
united as one charge. The probability is that Mr. Cavin continued to be pastor of 
East Conococheague until 1774. His place was supplied in 1754 and 1755 by the Rev. 
John Steele,* who had charge of the congregation for this length of time in connection 
with the congregation of West Conococheague, but was obliged, by the Indian disturb- 
ances, which increased after Braddock's defeat, to abandon his post This last men- 
tioned congregation was without a settled pastor for a number of years, the long vacancy 
being attributable partly to the Indian troubles, and perhaps also in part to the well- 
known division in the Presbyterian church, arising out of the revivals in 1732. In the 
year 1769, the union between the congregations of East Conococheague and Falling 
Spring, which had previously been dissolved, was re-formed, and the Rev. James Fang 
was called as pastor of the charge, and, it seems, continued so until 1802. In October 

* On one occasion, as Mr. Steele was preaching in a barn on the farm since owned by Mr. Adam B. Wingerd, and while 
engaged in the service, a messenger came bringing the intelligence that a party of Indians had appeared in the neighbourhood of 
McCiJlough's, now Rankins' mill, killing a man named Walter, and firing several houses. Instantly the services were dis- 
continued, the women and children were sent to the block-house, situated near to the subsequent residence of Mr. William 
.\llison, and the man of God, ready for any warfare to which he might be called, closed the Bible, and called upon the men 
of the Congregation to follow him in defence of their homes. 



\ 



,(5 MEN OF MARK. 

of the same year, the Rev. Robert Kennedy accepted a call to " the united congrega- 
tions of Kast' and Lower West Conococheague," or Welsh Run, and continued to be 
their pastor until 1816, when his relation to them, by his own request, was dissolved. 
Mr. Kennedy's successor was the Rev. James Buchanan, who served the church until 
1840. The pulpit has subsequently been supplied by the following pastors: Rev. J. T. 
Marshall Davie, Rev. T. V. Moore, D. D., Rev. Edwin Emerson, Rev. W. M. Paxton, 
D. D., Rev. W. Beatty, Rev. J. W. Wightman, and the present incumbent, Rev. Mr. 
Richardson. 

Associ.'^TF. Reformed Church. 

At the time of the settlement of Mr. Buchanan in (ireen Castle, there was a congre- 
gation worshiping in what is known as the White Church, holding ecclesiastical con- 
nection with the Associate Reformed Presbyterian church. Its relations had formerly 
been with the Reformed Presbyterian church, having for its first pastor the Rev. 
Matthew T.ind, who came to this country from Ireland, 1774, and organized the church 
there, probably soon after his arrival. In 1782, when the partial union was effected 
between the Reformed and the Associate churches, Mr. Lind, taking his people with 
him, entered into that reunion, and from that date the church of which he was pastor 
became an "Associate Reformed church." 

Their building, near town, was erected probably in 1792. The indenture was made 
by Messrs. James McLanahan and John Allison jointly, transferring the ground on 
which the building was located, and bears date May 5th, A. D. 1791. The trustees to 
whom the transfer was made were John Gebby, George Clarke, Andrew Reed, John 
Coughran, and James Crooks. The building stood in the graveyard on East Baltimore 
street. It was originally built of logs, the timber of which was cut on the property 
of John Coughran, Esq. Afterwards it was weather-boarded and painted white. 
There, in that building, we may say, was the birth-place of the Associate Reformed 
church. There their Constitution and Standards were formally issued May 31st, 1799. 
There, in May, 1804, was held the first meeting of their General Synod, at which time 
they formally inaugurated the movement for the establishment of the first Theological 
Seminary in the United States. There, too, at a later date, (or rather in the grove at 
the head of Bierly's Spring, for the want of room in the building,) was held one of the 
warmest and most protracted discussions on the close communion question, in which 
the cause of liberty and charity was ple'ad in person by its greatest champion. Dr. John 
M. Mason. 

Tiiese frequent meetings of so important a body in Green Castle would indicate that 
the .Associate Reformed congregation there was at that time large and flourishing. 
There are, however, no records of the church proper from which we can draw authentic 
information. Tradition tells us that the following were members of Session : James 
McClanahan, William Gebby, Andrew Reed, David Fullerton, George Clarke, and 
Joseph Gebby.* 

Church at Green Castle. 

The congregation at Green Castle had a house of worship as early as 173S. The 
character of that building, and even the certain location of it, are lost sight of. It 
probably stood, however, on or near the site of its successor, the old "~ .d Church, at 
the Moss Spring. The Red Church, it is tho; t, was built in the first years of the 
pastorate of Mr. Lang. The date is not certainly known, but there are traces of it 



♦ Rev. J. W. Wightman's His. Dis. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 37 

extending back about that far. It was a frame building twenty-eight and a half by forty- 
two and a half feet, the pulpit of the old half-octagon style, perched upon a pedestal, was 
placed at the side, crossing immediately in front of it was the main aisle leading to a 
door in either end of the building. At right angles with this were two other aisles, 
leading each to a door in the side of the church, opposite the pulpit This arrangement 
was odd, and the building unpretending. 

The first Session of the church, of which we have any knowledge, included the 
following; Mr. Joseph Smith, Colonel John Allison, Elias Davidson, Sr., Andrew 
Robinson, Sr. , and James McLain. Their successors in office were Robert Crunkelton, 
Robert Robinson, John M Davidson, John Watson, and Mr. Kellar. 

Study House. 

Near it stood, for many years, what was called the " Study House," used in part as a 
Session room, but more particularly as a sort of resort for the minister in the interval 
between the first and second service — a place where he might be alone, and prepare 
himself for his further duties. It was the custom then to have two sermons, with an 
intermission of half an hour, and the theory was, that the minister should spend this in 
the "Study House," while the people, lunch in hand, would gather to the spring-head 
and drink of its limpid waters, or stroll away at will among the rocks and trees of 
the surrounding grove. 

In that same old "Study House," says Mr. Wightman, there was, during the pastorate 
of Mr. Kennedy, a (lassical school, in which a number of young men received their 
training, who afterwards attained eminence in their several walks of life. Among 
these were John X. Clarke, Matthew St Clair Clarke, Esq., Clerk of the House of 
Representatives, Thomas G. McCullough, Esq., Dr. John Boggs, and Rev. John Lind. 

It is an interesting fact that the institutions of learning all over the country have 
grown up from just .such schools as this, established in the beginning in connection with 
the church, and nurtured by the prayers and devotion of some godly minister. It is 
thus made apparent that the gospel of Christ is the germinating seed of the world's 
intellectual progress, and that the real fostering mother of these educational privileges 
of which we now boast so loudly, is not the form of government under which we live, 
but the faith which has been bequeathed to us by our fathers. 

Lutheran Church. 

The corner-stone of the venerable Lutheran church, which now stands in Green 
Castle, was laid September 13th, 1792, and the building was completed in 1795, when 
the Rev. John Ruthrauff became pastor, and served the congregation for forty years. 
The successive pastors have been Revs. John Reck, Jeremiah Hanful, Jacob Martin, 
Peter Sahen, Michael Eyster, James M. Harkey, Edward Breidenbaugh, William F. 
Eyster, Thomas F. Everett. 

German Reformed Church. 

The first Ge . an Reformed church in Green Castle was a log building. In 1805, 
this was torn down, and a new church erected on South Carlisle street. The successive 
pastors ■I'^.jve been Revs. Frederick Rauhauser, Frederick Schull, Hamilton Vandyke, 
Jacob Mayer, John Rebaugh, J. S. Foulke (during whose pastorate, from 1850 to 1858, 
a new church was built on Er, ' Church street), T. G. Apple, D.D., S. N. Callender, 
D.D., Moses Kieffer, D.D., and Stephen K. Kramer. 
3 



,g MEN OF MARK. 

Interesting Incident. 
Before we pass from Green Castle, there is an incident of a patriotic character which 
should not fail of record. Here W. H. Riels, of Philadelphia, the first soldier that was 
shot on "free soil" during the late rebellion, fell within its corporate limits, on the 
2oth of July, 1863, in a skirmish with the Confederate army, when on its way to 
Chambersburg. He lies buried in the southern church yard, and the citizens, it is said, 
projjose to erect a suitable monument to his memory. 

Lower West Conococheague. 

In consequence of the division in the Presbyterian church, previously mentioned, a 
church, then known as "Lower West Conococheague," and originally a part of "Upper 
West Conococheague," or what is now called Mercersburg, was organized at Welsh Run, 
so called because the original settlers principally came from Wales This organization 
was effected in 1741. Though it sprang mainly from the cause mentioned, it was 
required by the convenience of the congregation, the territory covered by the mother 
church being too extensive to allow the people to meet weekly in the same place of 
worship, and it was done with so much good feeling that both churches still adhered to 
the same Presbytery 

The first house erected for their worship, (probably in 1741,) of which we give a 
representation, was built of logs and located near Mr. Elliott's. It was burned by the 
Indians about 1772. There seems to have been no other church erected until the close 
of the Indian war in 1774, when one was built on the same spot where the present 
edifice stands. 

The ground now held and occupied by the church, was originally given to it by 
Robert Smith, in 1774, or about that time. The building erected on this ground in 
I 774, originally log, afterwards weather boarded, having undergone various repairs, served 
its day and three generations, or a century of years. It was of the ancient model, 
with high pul])it, elaborately ornamented sounding-board, and seats having backs high 
as the tops of the shoulders. 

The congregations assembled at this second building on sacramental occasions were 
so numerous that, the church being insufficient to accommodate them, it was not an 
unusual thing for two ministers to be preaching at the same time, the one in the church, 
and the other in a temporary building near at hand called the Tent. From this 
circumstance this place of wor.ship was sometimes called the "Tent Meeting House." 
The Presbyterian Historical Society, at Philadelphia, has in its possession one of the 
communion tables used in the old church at Welsh Run It is made of unpainted 
yellow pine, and is 12 feet 7 inches long, 14 inches wide and 30 inches high. When 
used it was placed in the centre of the aisle, with a white linen cover on it. Around 
this plain table God's people gathered, and having given to the elders the " token " 
which they had received previously as an evidence of their right to partake of the holy 
supper, renewed their covenant engagements to be the Lord's. Certainly there was 
much deeper solemnity in such an observance of the sacrament than accompanies the 
modern method of observing it. The society already mentioned has one of the tokens 
just referred to, with the inscription on it : C. C ; designating the name of the church 
at that date — "Conococheague Church." 

The present noble and tasteful church edifice at Welsh Run, erected upon the founda- 
tions of the preceding building, by Elias Davidson Kennedy, of Philadelphia, only 
surviving son of Rev. Robert Kennedy, as an expression of his appreciation of the 



il 







u 



z 

D 



C 
O 



.■■ •V' /^ '>^ ,, 






HISTORICAL SKETCH. ^g 

' haracter and usefulness of his deceased father, was dedicated to the worship of Almighty 
Ci-.d, September 30th, 1871. Most appropriately did the Trustees, by an unanimous 
\ote, resolve, in testimony of their gratitude to Mr. Kennedy, that the name of the 
ciivrch should be changed from "Welsh Run Presbyterian Church" to "The Robert 
Ivcnnedy Memorial Church," and to have a marble corner-stone placed in the founda- 
t' ■ii, with this inscription on it. 

Pastors of Welsh Run. 

The first pastor of this church was Rev. James Campbell, from Scotland, who seems 
10 have laboured with them fifteen years or more, or till the Indian war broke out, in 
1756. After the expiration of Mr. Campbell's pastorate, the Rev. Mr. Dunlap seems 
to have supplied them with preaching till their first house of worship was burned by the 
Indians, about 1760, or a few years later. Just before the close of the Indian war, the 
Rev. Thomas McPherrin became pastor of the church (1774), and conti ued so for 
twenty-five years. The church then became connected wih the Green Castle Church, 
and was supplied with the pastoral services of the Rev. Robert Kennedy. In the early 
period of its history, it was a large and numerous congregation, the entire population 
of the surrounding country being Scotch-Irish, all of whom were connected with it. 
Now the great mass of the people are Germans, and belong to the Dunkers and River 
Brethren Still, the church continues to prosper, as is indicated by the fact that, under 
the ministrations of its present pastor, the Rev. J. H. Fleming, thirty-six persons were 
added to it at their last communion, twenty-eight by profession, and eight by letter. 

Mercersburg. 

Where the town of Mercersburg now stands, a mill was built by James Black, about 
the year 1729 or 1730. William Smith purchased ihis property, and his son laid out 
the town, about the year 1786. The place was named in honour of General Mercer, of 
the Revolutionary army,* who had shown great kindness to the proprietor, or his father 
while the army was encamped near New Brunswick, in New Jersey. Governor William 
Findlay, who filled the executive chair of Pennsylvania in 18 17, and of whom our book 
gives a sketch, was born in this place about the year 1770. 

"Mercersburg, in early days," says Mr. Day,f " was an important point for trade 
with Indians and settlers on the western frontier. It was no uncommon event to see there 
50 or 100 pack-horses in a row taking on their loads of salt, iron and other commodities 
for the Monongahela country. About three miles west of Mercersburg there is a wild 
gorge in Cove mountain, and within the gorge an ancient road leads up through a 
narrow, secluded cave or glen, encircled on every side by high and rugged mountains. 
Here, at the foot of a toilsome ascent in the road, which the old traders designated 
as 'The Stony Batter,' are now a decayed orchard and the ruins of two log-cabins. 
Some fifty years since a Scotch trader dwelt in one of these cabins, and had a store in 

* Dr. Hugh Mercer, a Scotchman of talent and education, had taken up his residence in the southern part of this valley, 
near the Maryland line, a short time before Braddock's defeat. Having enjoyed some military training and experience in 
Europe, and having a ttste for military life, he was, early in 1756, appointed a captain in the provincial service, in which he 
was continued for some years, being promoted to the rank of colonel. Colonel Mercer was appointed by the American Con- 
gress a general in the Revolutionary army, on the recommendation of Washington, by whom he was well known and highly 
esteemed. General Mercer, who had the confidence of the army and the country, fell mortally wounded and mangled by 
the British soldiery, at the battle of Princeton, in January, 1777, whilst gallantly and bravely leading his division against the 
royal army. 

t Writing in 1843. 



.^ MEN OF MARK. 

the other, where he drove a small but profitable traffic with the Indians and frontier-men 
who came down the mountain-pass, exchanging with them powder, fire-arms, salt, sugar, 
iron, blankets, and cloths, for their 'old Monongahela,' and the furs and skins of the 
trappers and Indians. The Scotchman had a son born here, and James Buchanan was 
cradled amid these wild scenes of nature and the rude din of frontier life. The father, 
thriving in trade, moved into Mercersburg, after a 'itw years assumed a higher rank in busi- 
ness, and was able to send his .son James to Dickinson College, where he graduated in 1809. 
Pa.ssing over the intermediate scenes of his life, we find him, in his future'history, one 
of the most accomplished, eloquent and distinguished members of the Senate of the 
United States," and we can add, Secretary of the State under President Polk's 
administration, Minister to Russia, Minister to England, and finally President of the 
United States. 

Early Settlements. 

This part of the country began to be settled about the year 1736. The land being 
taken from the proprietors by those only who designed to settle on it, the settlements 
soon became numerous. About the year 1738 the Presbyterians formed themselves into a 
congregation and enjoyed supplies of preaching from that time. About the year 1 740 the 
congregation, for a reason already assigned, divided. The " Upper Congregation " 
called the Rev. John Steele, previously of West Nottingham congregation. He was 
installed in 1754, holding also the charge of " East Conococheague." 

In the next year the settlement was greatly disturbed by the irruption of Indians, in 
consequence of Braddock's defeat. This continued for two years, until the settlement 
was for a time entirely broken up, and Mr. Steele accepted an invitation to the church 
at Carlisle. After the people returned to their desolated habitations they adopted their 
old form of a congregation, and engaged supplies from the Presbytery of Donegal for 
several years, being in the years 1762 and 1763 again disturbed and greatly harassed by 
the Inilian war.* They, after this, made some attempts to obtain a settled ministry. 

Rev. Dr. King. 

Their efforts were unsuccessful till the year 1768, when they called Mr John King, 
then a candidate under the care of the Presbytery of Philadelphia Mr. King was 
installed August 30th, 1769, and continued to discharge the pastoral duties for more 
than forty years. He died in 1813, about two years after retiring from his ministry, 
having been so afflicted with rheumatism that, while he continued his ministrations, for 
several years he was obliged to sit in the pulpit during service. 

Dr. King was a man of good natural parts, which he lost no opportunity to cultivate. 
During the intervals of his pastoral avocations he continued to increase his stores both 
of theological and miscellaneous knowledge. He was proficient in the Latin, Greek, 
Hebrew and French languages, and had attentively studied the several branches of 
natural science. In 1792 he was honoured with the degree of D. D. from Dickinson 
College. As a pastor, he was sound in doctrine, kind, sociable, cheerful and instruc- 
tive, and steady in attention to his duties. He left behind him a character without a 



» The original place of meeting is two and a half miles from Mercersburg. The Church edifice in the town was erected in 
■ 794. ^"J for a number of years was without a ceiling, floor, pews or pulpit. The ground on which it stands, and that 
which surrounds it, was given to the congregation by the Hon. Robert Smith. The following persons composed the 
Session, in succcsson, from 1767 till 1800: William Maxwell, William Smith, John McDowell, William McDowell, 
John Welsh, Alexander White. John McClelland, Jonathan Smith, William Campbell, Robert Fleming, Samuel Templeton, 
Patrick Maxwell, Jo-icph VanLcar, Mathew WiUun, William Lowery, James McFarland, Henry Helm, William 
W.addell, Archibald Irwin, James Crawford, Jjhn Holiday, John McMullin, John Johnston, Edward Welsh, William 
Reynolds, Robert McFarland, John McCullough, John Scott, Robert McDowell, James Dickey. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 41 

blot. He was the author of a doctrinal catechism, especially calculated to fortify the 
young against the spirit of skepticism and infidelity which threatened at that time the 
morals of youth ; of some pieces in the Assembly's Magazine, on the subject of a man's 
marrying his former wife's sister; and of a dissertation on the prophecies, referring to 
the present times, &c. There were about one hundred and thirty families in the settle- 
ment at the commencement of his ministry. He has left a little book containing a list 
of all the heads of families, with their children, residing within the limits of his congre- 
gation. The names are almost universally Scotch — Campbells, Wilsons, McClellands, 
McDowells, Barrs, Findlays, Welshs, Smiths, &c. 

/.•; 1812, Mr. David Elliott (afterwards D. D., and of whom also our volume has a 
biographical notice,) was called to the charge of the congregation, in which he continued 
about seventeen years. In 1831, Mr. Thomas Creigh (now D. D.,) of Carlisle, was 
installed over the church, and up to this time continues in charge of it. The Session 
was composed of the following members in 1767: William Maxwell, William Smith, 
John McDowell, William McDowell, John Welsh, Alexander White, John McClelland, 
Jonathan Smith, William Campbell, Robert Fleming, Samuel Templeton — names 
probably of some of the most respectable and worthy families in the neighbourhood in 
that day.* 

Theological Seminary. 

For a long time the Theological Seminary of the German Reformed church was 
located in Mercersburg. It was transferred there from York, about the year 1834. 
This removal was followed, in the course of a short time, by the resignation of the 
Professor of Theology, the Rev. Dr. Lewis Mayer, whose name had been identified with 
all tlie fortunes of the institution from the beginning. Dr. Frederick A. Rauch was 
assistant of Dr. Mayer. The vacancy thus created was filled, in 1840, by the unanimous 
and earnest choice by the Synod of the church, of John Williamson Nevin, D. D., LL.D., 
who was at the time Professor in the Western Theological Seminary at Pittsburg. Dr. 
Rauch, to whom had been committed the Department of Biblical Literature, died in 
1 841, and was buried in a secluded corner of the tract of ground set apart as a 
place of burial for the use particularly of the institution. For a time all the duties of 
the seminary devolved upon Dr. Nevin. In 1844, the Rev. Dr. Philip Schaff was 
elected to the Professorship of Church History and Sacred Literature. 

Marshall College. 

Marshall College, which was also founded by the Reformed church, was transferred 
to Mercersburg from York, a few years after the removal of the Theological Seminary. 
It sprang fiom the High School which had been established in connection with the 
Theological Seminary at the last mentioned place in 1832. The Institution was 
chartered by the Legislature of Pennsylvania, in the year 1835. The Presidency at 
the beginning fell, by the election of the Board of Trustees, on Dr. Rauch, by whom 
the original Grammar School had been established in York. On the decease of Dr. 
Rauch, Dr Nevin was chosen President of the College. About the year 1855 it was 
removed to Lancaster, where it assumed the name of Franklin and Marshall College, 
and has ever since been in successful operation. Dr. Nevin still continuing to act as 
President. Not long afterwards the Seminary, which for some years was under the 
instruction of Bernard C. Wolff, D D., followed the College to the same city, where it 

* From an Historical Sketch by Dr. Crtigh. 






42 MEN OF MARK. 

still exists and prospers, its chairs being occupied by E. V. Gerhart, D. D , md Thomas 
G. Appel, D. D. From these institutions many men have gone forth who have reached 
literary, political, and theological distinction. 

Patriotism. 

Patriotism was a predominant trait among the early settlers of the Kittochtinny 
valley. They were conspicuous among the Provincial troops in the old Fr";~h war 
and throughout all the Indian wars they sustained nearly the whole burden of I^. nding 
the frontier. When a new purchase was made, they were the first to make an opening 
in the wilderness beyond the mountains, and when the alarm of the Ameii,<::.aii 
Revolution echoed along the rocky walls of the Blue mountain, it awakened a congenirii 
thrill among the inhabitants of the valley whi( h it bounded, especially in the blood oi 
that race which years before, m Ireland and Scotland, had resisted the ifl ''rary power 
of England. 

Meeting at Carlisle. 

At a meeting of freeholders and freemen from several townships of Cumberland 
county, held at Carlisle, July 12th, 1774, in view of the first vials of displeasure which 
were being poured out by Great Britain upon citizens of Boston by way of forcing the 

colonies to servile submission, the following action was taken : 

Kesolvrd, I. That the late act of the Parliament of Great Bri'ain, by which the port of Boston is shut up, 
is oppressive to that town, and subversive of the rights and liberties of the colony of Mass.ichusetts Bay ; 
that the principle upon which the act is founded is not more subversive of the rights and liberties of that 
colony than it is of all other British colonies in North America, and therefore the inliabitants of Boston are 
suffering in the common cause of all these colonies. 

2. That every vigorous and prudent measure ought speedily and uiianimuusly to be adopted by these 
colonies for obtaining redress of the grievances under which the inhabitants of Boston are now labouring, 
and security from grievance of the same or of a still more severe nature, under which they and the other 
inhabiianis of ihe colonies may, by a further operation of the same principle, hereafter labour. 

3. That a Congress of Deputies from all the colonies will be one proper method for obtaining these 
purposes. 

4. That the same purposes will, in the opinion of this meeting, be piromoled by an agreement of all the 
colonies not to import any merchandise from nur export any merchandise to Great Britain, Ireland or the 
British West Indies, nor to use any such merchandise so imported, nor tea imported from any place whatever, 
till these purposes shall be obtained, but that the inhabitants of this county will join any restriction of that 
■agreement which the General Congress may think it necessary for the colonies to confine themselves to. 

5. That the inhabitants of this county will contribute to the relief of their sufi'ering brethren in Boston 
at any time when they shall receive intimation that such relief will be most seasonable. 

6. That a committee be immediately appointed for this county to correspond with the committee of this 
Province, or of the other Provinces, upon the great objects of the public attention, and to co-operate 
in every measure conducing to the general welfare of British America. 

7. That the committee consist of the following persons, viz : James Wilson, John Armstrong, John 
Montgomery, William Irvine, Robert Callender, William Thompson, John Calhoun, Jonathan Hoge, 
Robert Magaw, Ephraim Blane, John Allison, John Harris and Robert Miller, or any five of them. 

8. That James Wilson, Robert Magaw and William Irvine be the deputies appointed to meet the 
deputies from other counties of this Province at Philadelphia, on Friday next, in order to concert 
measures preparatoiy to the General Congress. 

Letters from the Committee. 

In a letter from the committee of Cumberland county to the President of Congress, 
dated at Carlisle, July 14th, 1776, ten days after the Declaration of Independance was 
proclaimed, it is stated : "By the intelligence we have already received, we think our- 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 43 

selves warranted to say, that we shall be able to send^tr companies, viz.: one from each 
battalion, to compose part of the flying camp, provided so many good arms can be had, 
and three companies of militia for the present emergency, some of whom will march 
this week. With pleasure we assure you thit a noble spirit appears amongst the 
inhabitants here. The spirit of marching to the defence of our country is so prevalent 
in this town that we shall not liave men left sufficient to mount guard, which we think 
absolutely necessary for the safety of the inhabitants and ammunition, and as a watch 
over the ten English officers, with their ten servants, to keep their parole of honour, 
especially as their brethren, lately, at Lebanon, in Lancaster county, lost it ; and as 
there will not be more left in town for the above purpose, we shall be obliged to hire a 
guard of twelve men from the county."* 

In a letter from the same committee to Congress, dated at Carlisle, July 31st, 1776, 
it is said : "The inhabitants have voluntarily and very generally offered their services, 
and by the answers which we have received from the officers, it appears to us that 
eleven companies will be sufficiently armed and accoutred, and the last of them marched 
from this place in about a week from this time. Three companies more are preparing, 
if they can get arms, and many more declared themselves willing to march ; but we are 
well assured arms are not to be got in this country. If arms and accoutrements are 
to be had at Philadelphia, we can send more men."^ 

At the time these volunteers from the Cumberland valley were pressing forward in 
surprising numbers, it is to be recollected that from this district there were then in the 
Continental army a number of officers as well as rank and file, who, the year preceding, 
had entered the army and were still absent in the military service of their country. 
Among those officers were Generals Armstrong and Irwin, Colonels Magaw, Chambers, 
Watts, Blair, Smith, Wilson, Montgomery, Buchanan, and Majors, Captains and 
subalterns in numbers too great to be enumerated here. 

In a letter from the same committee to Congress, dated August 16th, 1776, it is 
stated that " The twelfth company of our militia are marched to-day, which companies 
contain, in the whole, eight hundred and thirty-three privates^with officers, nearly nine 
hundred men. Six companies more are collecting arms, and are preparing to 
march."! § / 

War of 181 2. 
On the breaking out of the war of 181 2, the citizens of Carlisle manifested an equally 
commendable zeal in volunteering for the defence of our common country. Four fine 
companies were soon raised, viz : tiie " Cirlisle Infantry," under Captain William 
Ale.xander, and a "rifle company," under Captain George Hendel, which served a 
term of six months on the northern frontier, the "Carlisle Guards," under Captain 
Joseph Halbert, who marched to Philadelphia, and the "Patriotic Blues," under 
Captain Jacob Squier, who were for some time in the entrenchments at Baltimore. 

Captain Craighead. 

The same spirit of patriotism prevailed in Franklin county. The Rev. Mr. Craighead, 
of Rocky Spring, in eloquent strains, exhorted from the pulpit the youth of his congre- 

* Amcr. Arch., 5th Ser., I vol., p. 328. 

t lb. 619. 

t lb. 994. 

§ The companies marching from Cumberland county, in August, 1776, were commanded by Captains John Steel, Samuel 
Postlethwaite, Andrew Galbrealh, Samuel McCune, Thomas Turbott, James McConnel, William Huston. Thomas Clark, 
John Hutton, Robert Culbertson, Charles Lecher, Conrad Schnider, Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Watts. Other Captains 
were preparing to march. — Amer. Arch, sth Ser., i vol., p. 619, 



44 MEN OF MARK. 

gation to rise up and join the noljle band tiien engaged under tlie immortal Washington 
in struggling for the freedom of our country. On one occasion, it is said, the patriotic 
preacher declaimed in such burning and powerful terms against the wrongs we were 
then suffering, that, after one glowing description of the duty of the men, the whole 
congregation rose from their seats and declared their willingness to march to the con- 
flict. There wxs but one, tradition says, in the entire assembly, who was not overcome 
by the stirring appeal that was made, and that was an aged female, in whom maternal 
affection, recently caused to bleed, completely mastered both a sense of proitriety and 
the love of liberty. "Stop, Mr. Craighead," she exclaimed, "I jist want to tell ye, 
agin' you loss such a purty boy as I have, in the war, ye will na be sa keen for fighting. 
Quit talking, and gang yersel' to the war. Ye're always preaching to the boys about 
it ; but I dinna think ye'd be very likely to gang yersel'. Jist ga and try it." 

Graphic Description. 

A graphic writer thus describes the display of patriotic spirit which was made at the 
Rocky Spring church : 

"As we walk reverentially over the hill, we feel as if we were treading upon sacred 
ground dedicated to God and American Liberty. We can almost fancy we see the 
man of God standing where we now stand, telling to the assembled multitude the story 
of their country's wrongs, and urging them to hesitate no longer which to choose, 
cowardly inactivity or the noble part of brave defenders of their country's rights. 
We hear him call on them, as he stands before his old church, and request 
those who desire to march with him to battle, to hesitate no longer, but place 
themselves by his side, and acknowledge him their commander, who will lead 
them to the field of battle, where they will save America or perish in the cause 
of Freedom. One by one they approach their pastor, and soon a long line 
of dauntless spirits stretches across the green to the neighbouring road. The wives, 
mothers and sisters, stand gazing on the exciting scene, and with sweet, encouraging 
words mge them to stand l)y their pastor and captain, and trust in the arm of the 
I>ord of Hosts for the result. At length the line is completed, and they are dismissed 
to meet on the following Monday. Soon after the dawn of day, might be seen the 
sturdy husbandman with grey hairs scattered over his brow, and the youth of few years, 
reaching down their old fire-arms, hitherto used only for beasts of prey, or the wild 
game, but now to be used for other purposes. They fling around their necks their rude 
powder horns and bullet pouches, and shouldering their guns march to the place of 
rendezvous. As the eye wanders over the neighbourhood, in the distance they may be 
seen, one by one, drawing near the hill. .Soon they are all assembled and their 
company is organized, and after an eloquent appeal to the Almighty, the Reverend 
Captain places himself at their head, and the noble band marches off to battle. As 
they march away over the hills, ever and anon they cast a lingering look back upon 
their beloved friends, who stand weeping upon the hill, and upon their old and loved 
place of worship, which many of them will never enter again. The company joined 
the army of Washington, and gave undoubted evidence that their courage was of no 
mean order but Was ba.sed upon the hallowed principles of Christianity, which, although 
discountenancing bloodshed and war, does not forbid the oppressed to make an effort 
to throw off the yoke of the oppressor."* 



» Captiin Craighead, during the hours spent in camp, habitually acted as Chaplain to his soldiers. After the war was over he 
returned to his charge and faithfully watched over his congregation until the period of his death, which occured in 1799. Of 
his valour there can be no question. " He fought and preached alternately," says a friend, in noticing his character, " breasted 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 45 

Patriotism of West Conococheague. 

We find the citizens of West Conococheague animated by the same self-sacrificing 
patriotism which marked the other sections of the valley during the Revolution. Dr. 
King, who was installed pastor of the church at Mercersburg, in 1769, not only volun- 
teered his services, and went as chaplain to the battalion which marched from that part 
of the country, but many were the addresses which he delivered in behalf of the liberties 
of his country. 

In an address delivered to Captain Huston's company, as they were about to leave 
their homes for the battle field, Dr. King said : 

" The case is plain, life must be hazarded, or all is gone. You must go and fight, or 
send your humble submission, and bow as a beast to its burden, or as an ox to the 
slaughter. The king of Great Britain has declared us rebels — a capital crime. Submis- 
sion, therefore, consents to the rope or the axe. Liberty is doubtless gone : none could 
imagine a tyrant king should be more favourable to conquered rebels than he was to 
loyal, humble, petitioning subjects. No ! no ! If ever a people lay in chains, we must, 
if our enemies carry their point against us, and oblige us to unconditional submission. 
This is not all. Our tory neighbours will be our proud and tormenting enemies." 

In a sermon preached by this patriotic preacher, he spoke in these animating words 
to his congregation : 

" My dear brethren: Since God, in the course of his providence, has so ordered 
matters as to require every true-hearted American to appear in defence of his liberties, 
it affords me great pleasure to see you stand forth, with others, in the glorious cause. 
We have heard your declarations on the point, we have seen your diligence in preparing, 
and now we see that these were not the efforts of cowardice, boasting at a distance, but 
that in real earnestness your hearts have been engaged in the matter. After observing 
in you this heroic and laudable disposition, I apprehend there need not much be said 
to animate you in the grand object of your present attention, and more especially as you 
enter upon this warfare, not from the low and sordid views which are the main object 
of ignorant mercenaries, but with a proper knowledge of the reasons of the contest, and 
1 hope, too, with a consciousness of duty. 

"You see an open field before you, wherein you may acquire reputation and honour 
to yourselves, and do a most beneficial service to your country. The cause of American 
independence and liberty, which has now called you to go forth to the scene of action, is 
indeed a cause in which it will be glorious to conquer and honourable to die The victory, 
however dearly bought, will be but a cheap purchase, for what of all worldly goods can be 
of equal value to freedom from slavery, the free and lawful enjoyment and use of our 
own property, and the free possession of our own lives and consciences? This is an object 
worthy of our vigorous exertions, a price worthy of a Christian soldiery, a price we are 
commanded to strive for by the voice of nature and the voice of God. We have now 
assumed the independent rank we ought to have among the nations of the earth, and we are 
resolved to be free. Our enemies, with all their own and foreign force they could obtain, 
are attempting their utmost to make us slaves, and this appears to be the main time of 

all danger, relying on his God, and the justice of his cause for prelection." His company was present at the battle on Long 
Island and acquitted themselves with much gallantry. Mr. C. was also with the army when Fort Washington was evacuated. 
There was also present on this occasion, the Rev. Robert Cooper, D, D., pastor of the Presbyterian church at Middle 
Spring, " a man of sound and strong mind, as well as a divine of great judiciousness and piety," whose congregation were 
part of the force of volunteers that marched from Carlisle in August, 1776, accompanied by their brave, patriotic, and pious 
minister. He and Mr C. were very intimate, and were in the same mess, as they were congenial spirits. Mr. Craighead 
was somewhat celebrated as a humourist. One day, it is said, going into battle a cannon-ball struck a tree near him, a 
splinter of which nearly knocked him down. "God bless me!" exclaimed Cooper, " you were nearly knocked to staves." 
" Oh, yes," was his reply, " and though you are a Cooper you could not have set me up." 



46 



MEN OF MARK. 



the trial— the very turning point which will decide the question, and determine either for 
freedom or bondage. If their designs can be baffled for this campaign, it is most 
probable they will despair of success, and give up the cause. At least it will be a 
jjowerfully animating motive for Americans to proceed on that course, which they 
must at all events go through, having nothing before them but success or the most 
ignominious and shameful alternative." 

Such was the patriotic spirit that prevailed in Cumberland valley in Revolutionary 
times. The ap|)li(ation of tlie word Tory, which designated a person opposed to the 
war and in favour of British claims, was rare if to be found at all. Not to be zealous 
in the cause of American Independence was a reproach that not only subjected the 
suspected individual to public disfavour, but in some instances brought down upon him 
the notice or discipline of the church. A well authenticated case is related in which 
a cliarge was presented to the Session of the church at Falling Spring against a member 
as a ground for exercising discipline towards him, that ^' he is strongly suspected of not 
being sincere in his professions of attachment to the cause of the Revolution." 

Sacrifices 

In contemplating the spirit and action of the men of those times, and of this territory, 
their descendants have just reason to be proud. Their devotion to their country was 
signal and emphatic. "Nowhere in the colonies was there more patriotism, resolution 
and bravery than was evinced on a call to arms, by the hardy, intelligent citizen soldiers 
of this Scotch-Irish settlement. Their territory and dwellings were in no danger of 
invasion, or of being trodden by a hostile army. Distance, intervening forests, rugged 
roads and large water courses .vere obstacles not to be encountered by an enemy who 
were dependent on their ships for their supplies and their safe retreat in case of reverses. 
The freemen of this extensive valley did not at this crisis hold back their movements, 
either in time or numbers, for forced requisitions, in retaliation for the indifference 
manifested by the citizens of the eastern border of the province of Pennsylvania, for 
-sufferings and privations of the inhabitants of their valley, when for years, they were 
exposed to the merciless cruelties of savage enemies aided and instigated by PVench 
power, though they could not forget that their repeated supplications to the Provincial 
government for measures of defence and protection during the Indian wars that were 
laying waste their settlements with fire and the blood of women and children, were 
either disregarded or met by tardy and inefficient provision by a government, whose 
legislation was under the control then of the Representatives of Philadelphia, Chester 
and Bucks. The brave and hardy men of the Cumberland valley, who had for ten 
years been exercising their strength and vigour to repair the waste and desolation of their 
homes and property, from which many had been driven, and for years compelled to seek 
for their families safety in the counties of Lancaster and York, did not allow themselves 
to think of resentment or retaliation when the enemy of their country was menacing 
their State. These patriotic men were too magnanimous and generous in the hour of 
danger and public necessity to speak or think of old wrongs, committed against them 
by their fellow-citizens or their late government. But a few days were required to 
arrange their affairs, collect their arms and plain accoutrements, when they marched 
forth with drawn swords and shouldered arms, to meet the public enemy, wherever 
commanded, either on Pennsylvania soil, on the plains of New Jersey, or elsewhere. 

Such is a succinct and imperfect history of the settlers and settlement of Cumberland 
valley. In it we have given somewhat of a prominence to the Scotch-Irish element, 
but there was a necessity for so doing, which we are sure all will acknowledge, inas- 







^3 '5 



O 



Iv4 = 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 



47 



much as the early population that flocked into this beautiful territory was so largely 
composed of this class of people. Never need their descendants feel ashamed of so 
noble an ancestry. Never, either, can they over-estimate the sacrifices which they 
made in taking possession of the lovely valley in which their spirit yet lingers. No 
privation seemed to depress them, no exposure to intimidate them, no toil to discourage 
them. As true as graphic was Rev Dr. Thomas Creigh's description of them, in his 
address at the memorable Presbyterian Re-union on the camp ground near Oakville, 
September 24th, 1871, when he said : 

"They were a hardy people. They were enured to hardships from the beginning — 
not only in felling the forests and in preparing the land for cultivation, and so on — 
but in consequence, also, of their contests and warfare with the Indians. It would 
require a volume to tell of all these trials and troubles They were plain in their habits, 
and were contented with their style of living, which was of the plainest kind. They 
knew nothing about the extravagances and follies of the present age. With their log 
cabins of 20 feet by 25 feet, built of logs, with clap-board roof and puncheon floor, they 
were perfectly contented. It was their parlor, their family room, their chamber, 
nursery and kitchen all in one. The ordinary wear of the vien was a loose waumus or 
hunting shirt, with trousers made of the same material, and moccasins made of deer 
skin. The ordinary dress of the women was a short gown and petticoat made of linsey 
woolsey, with a sun-bonnet or hoc '. 

" This was their ordinary wear. But still they had something better, /. e. those who 
could afford it The male attire was a coat of homespun and a waistcoat, with breeches 
often made of buckskin, with knee buckles, long stockings, shoe buckles, and a cocked 
hat. The ladies' attire was a dress of silk, or of some other material equally costly, a 
bonnet made of material to correspond, a kerchief of white around the neck, and cover- 
ing the upper part of the breast. Their food was equally simple and plain. Hog and 
hominy and potatoes, with mush and milk, were their standing fare. And as for coffee 
and tea, if the old folks could have them once a week, and this on the Sabbath day, 
they were more than satisfied with the privilege. Nor must we forget to mention the 
little shelf on which rested the family Bible, the Confession of Faith, Psalm Book, 
Pilgrim's Progress, Boston's Fourfold State, Saint's Rest, and volumes of a kindred 
character." 

Thus was it that the daring pioneers laid the foundations of the intelligent and 
upright community which has succeeded them, and were able to bequeath the rich 
legacy their children enjoy. 

The Burning of Chambersburg. ^ 

We feel that our sketch would be incomplete without some account of the destruction 
of Chambersburg by the rebel force under General Early, July 30th, 1864. However 
familiar to those now living this event may be, it is in every sense desirable that the 
history of it should be found in our volume, for the sake of the generations to follow. 
This we shall give, confining ourselves strictly to the calamity itself, with its accom- 
panying incidents, and we are happy to be able to do so from statements prepared by 
citizens of the place, who were witnesses of the occasion. 

Entrance of the Rebels. 

" The rebels, having been interrupted in their entrance into the town until daylight, 
they employed their time in planting two batteries in commanding positions, and 
getting up their whole column, fully three thousand strong. About 4 o'clock on 



48 MEN OF MARK. 

Saturday morning they opened with their batteries and fired some half a dozen shots 
into the town, but they did no damage. Immediately thereafter their skirmishers 
entered by almost every street and alley running out west and southwest, and finding 
their way clear, their cavalry, to the number of eight hundred and thirty-one, came in 
under the immediate command of General McCausland. General Bradley Johnson was 
with him, and also the notorious Major Harry Gilmore. 

I'lunderinu Pkomi'tlv Commenced. 

" While McCausland and Gilmore were reconnoitering around to get a deal with the 
citizens for tribute, their soldiers exhibited the proficiency of their training by immediate 
and almost indiscriminate robbery. Hats, caps, boots, watches, silverware, and every- 
thing of value, were appropriated from individuals on the street without ceremony, and 
when a man was met whose appearance indicated a plethoric purse, a pistol would be 
presented to his head with the order to 'deliver,' with a dexterity that would have 
done credit to the freebooting accomplishments of an Italian brigand. 

TRiBtFTE Demanded. 

" General McCausland rode up to a numLer of citizens, and gave notice that unless 
five hundred thousand dollars in greenbacks, or one hundred thousand dollars in gold, 
were paid in half an hour, the town would be burned ; but no one responded to his call. 
He was promptly answered that Chanibersburg could not and would not pay any ransom. 
He had the Court House bell rung to convene the citizens, hoping to frighten them 
into the payment of a large sum of money, but no one attended. Infuriated at the 
determination of the people. Major Gilmore rode up to a group of citizens, consisting 
of Thomas B. Kennedy, William McClellan, J. McDowell Sharpe, Dr. J. C. Richards, 
William H. McDowell, W. S. Everett, Edward G. Etter, and M. A. Foltz, and ordered 
them under arrest. He said that they would be held for the payment of the money, 
and if not paid, he would take them to Richmond as hostages, and also burn every 
house in town. While he was endeavouring to force them into an effort to raise him. 
money, his men commenced the work of firing, and they were discharged when it was 
found that intimidation would effect nothing. 

Town in Flames. 

" The main part of the town was enveloped in flames in ten minutes. No time was 
given to remove women or children, the sick, or even the dead. No notice of the kind 
was communicated to any one, but the work of destruction was at once commenced. 
They divided into squads, and fired every other house, and often every house, if there 
was any prospect of plunder. They would beat in the door with iron bars or heavy 
])lank, smash up furniture with an axe, throw fluid or oil upon it, and ply the match. 
They almost invariably entered every room of each house, rifled the drawers of every 
bureau, appropriated money, jewelry, watches, and any other valuables, and often would 
present pistols to the heads of inmates, men and women, and demand money or their 
lives. In nearly half the instances they demanded owners to ransom their property, 
and in a few cases it was done, and the property burned. Although a number of 
persons, mostly widows, paid them sums from twenty-five to two hundred dollars, there 
were but few cases where the property was saved thereby. Few houses escaped rifling ; 
nearly all were plundered of everything that could be carried away. In most cases 
houses were entered in the rudest manner, and no time whatever was allowed for the 
families to escape, much less to save anything. Many families had the utmost difficulty 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 49 

to get themselves and children out in time, and not one-half had so much as a change 
of clothing with them. They would rush from story to story to rob, and always fire 
the building at once, in order to keep the family- from detecting their robberies. 
Feeble and helpless women and children were treated like brutes — told insolently to get 
out or burn ; and even the sick were not spared. Several invalids had to be carried 
out as the red flames licked their couches. Thus the work of desolation continued for 
two hours, more than half the town on fire at once ; and the wild glare of the flames, 
the shrieks of women and children, and, often louder than all, the terrible blasphemy 
of the rebels, conspired to present such a scene of horror as has never been witnessed by 
the present generation. No one was spared, save by accident The widow and the 
the fatherless cried and plead in vain that they would be homeless and helpless. A 
rude oath would close all hope of mercy, and they would fly to save their lives. The 
old and infirm, who tottered before them, were thrust aside, and the torch applied in 
their presence to hasten their departure. In a few hours the major portion of Cham- 
bersburg, its chief wealth and business, its capital and elegance, were devoured by a 
barbarous foe — three millions of property sacrificed — three thousand human beings 
homeless, and many penniless, and all without so much as a pretence that the citizens of 
the doomed town, or any of them, had violated any accepted rule of civilized warfare. 
Such is the deliberate, voluntary record made by General Early, a corps commander in 
the insurgent army."* 

Description of the Scene. 

"As to the scene itself," says the Rev. Joseph Clark, "it beggars descrijition. My 
own residence being in the outskirts, and feeling it the call of duty to be with my family, 
I could only look on from without. The day was sultry and calm, not a breath stirring, 
and each column of smoke rose black, straight and single, first one and then another, 
and another and another, until the columns blended and commingled ; and then one 
vast and lurid column of smoke and flame rose perpendicularly to the sky, and spread 
out into a vast crown like a cloud of sackcloth hanging over the doomed city, whilst 
the roar and the surging, the crackling and the crash of falling timbers and walls broke 
upon the still air with a fearful dissonance, and the screams and sounds of agony of 
burning animals, hogs, and cows, and horses, made the welkin horrid with sounds of 
woe. It was a scene to be witnessed and heard once in a life time."f 

"The aged, the sick, the dying, and the dead were carried out trom their burning 
homes ; mothers with babes in their arms, and surrounded by their frightened little ones, 
fled through the streets jeered and taunted by the brutal soldiery. Indeed, their 
escape seemed almost a miracle, as the streets were in a blaze from one end to the 
other, and they were compelled to flee through a long road of fire. Had not the day 
been perfectly calm, many must have perished in the flames. The conflagration in its 
height was a scene of surpassing grandeur and terror. A tall black column of smoke 
rose up to the very skies, around it were wrapped long streamers of flames, writhing and 
twisting themselves into a thousand fantastic shapes, while through it, as though they 
were prayers carried heavenward by the incense of some great altar sacrifice, there went 
up on the smoky flame-riven clouds the cries and shrieks of the women and children. 
But the moment of greatest alarm was not reached until some of the more humane 
of the rebel officers warned the women to flee, if they wished to escape violence to 
their persons. We cannot in this letter describe the scenes of the sad flight which 
followed."! 

* Colonel A. K. McClure's article in the " Franklin Repository," August 24tli, 1864, 

f Article in the " Presbyterian" of August 6th, 1864, 

X Rev. S. J. Niccolls, in the "Pittsburgh Evening Chronicle." 



CQ MEN OF MARK. 

" For miles around, llu- frightened inhabitants fled, they knew not whither, some 
rontinuing their llight until they dropped to the ground with exhaustion. Pocket-books 
and watches were taken by wholesale, bundles, shawls and valises were snatched out of 
women's and children's hands to be thrown away. Cows and dogs and cats were 
burned to death, and the death-cries of the poor dumb brutes sounded like the groans 
of human beings. It is a picture that may be misrepresented but cannot be heightened."* 

Incidents of the Burning. 

One scoundrel accepted five dollars from a frightened female to carry her trunk to a 
place of safety, where he coolly broke it open and helped himself to the most valuable 
part of the contents. A little dead child was enclosed in a chest and buried by the 
terrified parents in their garden for fear it would be burned in their house. A lady in 
delicate health was watched by one of the robbers, and allowed to drag her trunk outside 
of the town, after which he searched it, and appropriated the valuables it contained. 
She asked, whether that was southern chivalry and received for reply, "Take that 
back or I'll blow your brains out." She did not retract, and did not have her brains 
blown out. An old and very estimable lady, who had not walked for three years, 
was told to run, as her house was on fire. She replied that she had not walked for 
three years. With horrid curses the wretch poured powder under her chair, declaring 
that he would teach her to walk, and while in the act of applying fire to his train some 
neighbours ran in and carried her away. A rebel soldier threatened a young man to 
" blow his brains out " if he would not let the fire burn. With a revolver in hand 
his sister rushed out of tlie adjoining room, her eyes flashing with a more terrible fire 
than that of rebel kindling : '■ Begone, thou brutal wretch !" said the heroine, as she 
aimed with precision at the rebel's head, who scampered away in a terrible fright. 
Three sides around a lady's house (Mrs. Denig's) were on fire. The fourth was 
enclosed with an iron fence. An attempt to cross the fence burned her palm into crisp. 
She sat down in the middle of her narrow lot. Around her she folded a few rags 
dipped in water, to shelter her person against the heat. An old negro crouched down 
by her side and helped to moisten the rags. Her face though covered was blistered by 
the intense heat. Now and then God sent a breath of wind to waft the hot air away 
and allowed her to take breath. Virtually it was a martyrdom at the stake, those two 
hours amid the flames. Only after she was rescued did the sight of her ruined home 
open the fountain of tears. " Don't cry, missus," said Peter, the old negro; "de Lord 
saved our lives from de fire." A sq lad of rebels seized a flag which a lady happened 
to have in her house. With some difficulty she wrested it from their grasp, folded it 
around !ier i)erson and walked away from her burning house past the furious soldiery, 
determined that the flag should become her shroud ere it should fall into the hands of 
the foe. A mother of a large family of children was ordered to leave the house in five 
minutes as the house must be burned. She collected them all around her to obey the 
cruel summons. Preparations were at once made to fire the building, in the rooms 
above and below, and as the family group walked out of the large and beautiful man- 
sion, the children burst into loud weeping. " I am ashamed of you," said the tenderly 
loving, yet heroic woman, " to let these men see you cry ;" and every child straightened 
up, brushed away the falling tears, and bravely marched out of the doomed home. An 
elderly woman, of true Spartan grit, gave one of the house burners such a sound drub- 
bing with a heavy broom, that the invader retreated, to leave the work of destruction 
to be pe rformed by another party, after the woman had left to escape the flames of the 

* J. K.. Slirj'ock, r.sq., in " Lutheran and Missionary.'* 



/ 




HISTORICAL SKETCH. 5 1 

adjoining buildings. The house of Mr. James Watson, an old and feeble man of over 
eighty, was entered, and because his wife earnestly remonstrated against the burning, 
they fired the room, hurled her into it, and locked the door on the outside. Her 
daughters rescued her by bursting in the door before her clothing took fire. Mr. Jacob 
Wolfkill, a very old citizen, and prostrated by sickness so that he was utterly unable to 
be out of bed, plead in vain to be spared a horrible death in the flames of his own house, 
but they fired the building. Through the superhuman efforts of some friends, he was 
carried away safely. Mrs. Lindsay, a very feeble lady of nearly eighty, fainted when 
they fired her house, and was left to be devoured in the flames, but fortunately, a 
relative reached the house in time, lifted her in a buggy, and pulled her away while the 
flames were hissing each other over their heads on the street. Mrs. Kuss, wife of a 
jeweller on Main street, lay dead, and although they were shown the dead body, they 
plied the torch and burned the house Mrs. J. K. Shryock had Mrs. Kuss's sick babe 
in her arms, and plead for the sake of the dead mother and sick child to spare that 
house, but it was unavailing. The body of Mrs Kuss was hurriedly buried in the 
garden, and the work of destruction went on. When the flames drove Mrs. Shryock 
away with the child, she went to one of the men, and presenting the babe, said, ^' Is 
this revenge sweet? " A tender chord was touched, and without speaking he burst into 
tears. He afterwards followed Mrs. Shryock, and asked whether he could do anything 
for her, but it was too late. The houses of Messrs. McClellan, Sharpe, and Ni.xon, 
being located east of the Franklin Railroad, and out of the busine.ss part of the town, 
were not reached until the rest of the town was in flames, and the roads were streaming 
with homeless women and children. Mr. McClellan's residence was the first one 
entered, and he was notified that the house must be burned. Mrs McClellan immedi- 
ately stepped to the door, and laying one hand on the rebel officer, and pointing with 
the other to the frantic fugitive women and children passing by, said to him: "Sir, is 
not your vengeance glutted ? We have a home and can get another ; but can you spare ?io 
homes for those poor, helpless people and their children ? When you and I, and all of us, 
shall meet before the Great Judge, can you justify this act ? ' ' He made no reply, but 
ordered his command away, and that part of the town was saved. Captain Smith, son of 
Governor Smith, of Virginia, with a squad of men, passing by all the intervening 
houses, entered the beautiful residence of Colonel McClure, one mile from the centre 
of the town, with the information to Mrs. McClure, then, and for some time before, an 
invalid, that the house must be burned by way of retaliation. Ten minutes were given 
her in which to leave the house, and in less than ten miimtes the flames were doing the 
work of destruction, and Mrs. McClure and the other members of the family at home, 
started on foot, in the heat of the hottest of days, in order to escape the vengeance of the 
chivalry. Whilst the flames were progressing in the house, as well as the large and well- 
filled barn, the Captain helped himself to Mrs. McClure's gold watch, silver pitcher and 
other valuables. The gold watch and other articles were easily concealed, but the 
silver pitcher was rather unwieldy, and could not be secreted from profane eyes, as he 
rode back through the town from the scene of his triumph. He resolved, therefore, to 
give a public display of his generosity. He stopped at the house of the Rev. James 
F. Kennedy, and handed the pitcher to his wife, with the request, "Please deliver this 
to Mrs. Colonel McClure, with the compliments of Captain Smith." Among the 
principal sufferers was the Rev. Dr. Schneck, a distinguished minister of the German 
Reformed church, long a resident of the place. Vainly did he contend with the flames. 
His cosy, substantial house, with all that it contained — the costly relics borne home 
from two European tours, his valuable library, all his manuscripts, precious domestic 
keepsakes and furniture — all became a heap of undistinguishable ruins. 



c 2 MEN OF MARK. 

Retribution. 

Several of the thieves who participated in burning Chambersburg were sent suddenly 
to their last account. An officer, whose papers identified him as Major Bowen, Eighth 
Virginia Cavalry, was consjiicuous for his brutality and robberies. He got too far 
south of the firing parties to be covered by them, and in his desire to glut his thievish 
propensities, he was isolated. He was captured by several citizens in the midst of his 
brutal work, and was dispatched promptly. When he was fired at and slightly 
wounded, he took refuge in tlie burning cellar of one of the houses, and there, with the 
intense heat blistering him, he begged them to spare his life, but it was in vain. Half 
the town was still burning, and it was taxing humanity rather too much to save a man 
who had added the boldest robbery to atrocious arson. He was shot dead, and now 
sleeps near the Falling Spring, nearly opposite the depot. 

Mr. Thomas H. Doyle, of Loudon, who had served in Easton's Battery, followed 
the retreating rebels towards Loudon, to capture stragglers. When beyond St. 
Thomas, he caught Captain Cochran, Quartermaster of the Eleventh Virginia Cavalry, 
and as he recognized him as one who had participated in the destructioxi of Chambers- 
burg, he gave him just fifteen minutes to live. Cochran was armed with sword and 
pistols, but he was taken so suddenly by Mr. Doyle that he had no chance to use them. 
He begged piteously for his life, but Mr. Doyle was inexorable, the foe who burns and 
robs must die, and he so informed him peremptorily. At the very second he shot the 
thief dead, and found on his person 5815 of greenbacks, all stolen from the citizens of 
Chambersburg, and $1,750 of rebel currency. His sword, belt and pistols were brought 
to Chambersburg by Mr. Doyle.* 

Such was the burning of Chambersburg, with its accompanying acts of insolence, 
theft and violence. The dreadful deed was performed under a written order from 
General Jubal A. Early, in retaliation, as he alleged, for the burning of six houses in 
Virginia. Justice requires it, and we gladly make it a matter of record, that fiendish 
and relentless as were McCausland and most of his command, there were notable 
exceptions, who bravely maintained the humanities of war in the midst of the infuriated 
freebooters who were plying the torch and securing the plunder. One surgeon, when he 
saw the fire break out, wept like a child, and publicly denounced the atrocity of his com- 
mander. A captain, formerly of Baltimore, peremptorily refused to participate in the 
burning, but aided many people to get some clothing and other articles out of their houses, 
and asked a citizen to write to his friends in Baltimore and acquit him of the hellish work. 
Another surgeon, who gave his horse to a lady to get some articles out of the burning 
town, publicly deplored the sad work of McCausland, and when a.sked who his 
commanding officer was, answered, "Madam, I am ashamed to say that General 
McCausland is my commander." Another rebel officer, whom Mr. Jabob Hoke met in 
his house, as the enemy was about to fire it, said, " My friend, for God's sake, tell 
me what you value most, and I will take it to a place of safety. They are going to 
burn every house in town." 

It is only necessary to add, that the people of Chambersburg, under their great 
calamity, did not yield to gloom or despondency, but maintained a noble equanimity 
and fortitude, and that out of the ruins which they were called to contemplate, have, 
through their energy and perseverance, risen fine structures, now making the place one 
of the handsomest towns in the State. 

• From Rev. Dr. Schnecks work on " The Burning of Charabereburg," to which wc make a general acknowledgment of 
indebtedness for facts here presented. 



MEN OF MARK. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 




BENJAMIN CHAMBERS. 

|ETWEEN the years 1726 and 1730, four brothers — James, 
Robert, Joseph and Benjamin Chambers, emigrated from the 
county of Antrim, in Ireland, to the province of Pennsylvania. 
They settled and built a mill shortly after, at the mouth of Fishing 
creek, now in Dauphin county, and purchased a tract of very fine 
land at that place from the Proprietaries of the Province. 

These adventurous brothers, attracted by the fine country beyond 
the Susquehanna, were among the first to explore and settle in the 
Kittatinny, now Cumberland valley. James made a settlement at the 
head of Green Spring, near Newville ; Robert at the head of Middle 
Spring, near Shippensburg; and Joseph and Benjamin at the 
confluence of Falling .Spring and Conococheague creeks, where 
Chambersburg is situated, whither the)- were attracted by a description 
received from a hunter of the fine waterfall he had observed in one of 
his excursions through the valley. These settlements and locations 
were made about or before 1 730. By an arrangement among the 
brothers, Joseph returned to their property at the mouth of Fishing 
creek, and Benjamin, the younger brother, then about twenty-one 
years of age, improved his settlement at the Falling Spring, thus 
becoming the first white settler in what is now Franklin county. 
Having procured a title to as much land as he desired, he proceeded 
to erect a log house, covered with lapped shingles and fastened by 
nails, a style of building out of the common mode of round logs and 
clapboard roofs secured by beams. Some time after, being induced to 
visit the east side of the Susquehanna, he left his house unoccupied 
for a short time, and on his return found it burned to ashes. This 
was afterwards ascertained to be the work of an unprincipled hunter, 
who was induced to do it for the sake of the nails, which at that day, in 
this wild region, were esteemed no ordinary prize. 
4 



54 



MEN OF MARK. 



Notwithstanding his reverses, the young pioneer prosecuted anew 
his improvements, building houses and clearing lands. Soon he built 
himself a saw mill at the mouth of Falling Spring. This was an im- 
portant improvement to himself and others disposed to settle in the 
surrounding wilderness. In a few years after, he erected a flouring 
mill, an accommodation which contributed much to the comfort of the 
early settlers, and had considerable influence in inducing settlements 
in the vicinity. 

Mr. Chambers maintained a friendly intercourse with the Indians in 
his region, traded with them, and had so much of their confidence and 
respect that they did not injure or molest him. 

On one occasion, being engaged in hay making in his meadow 
below Chambersburg, he observed some Indians secretly stalking in 
the thickets around the meadow. .Suspecting some mischievous 
design, he gave them a severe chase in the night, with some dogs, 
across the creek and through the woods, to the great alarm of the 
Indians, who afterwards acknowledged they had gone to the meadow 
for the purpose of taking from Benjamin his watch, and carrying off a 
negro woman whom he owned, and who, they thought, would be use- 
ful to raise corn for them ; but they declared that they would not have 
hurt the colonel. 

During the controversy between the Penns and Lord Baltimore, 
relative to the boundaries of their respective provinces, Mr. Chambers 
went to England to assist by his testimony in determining the issue 
involved. His evidence was of great value to the Penns, and had a 
decisive influence upon the settlement of the controversy. During his 
absence on that business, he revisited his native place and induced 
many persons to accompany him on his return, generously defraying 
the expenses of those who were poor and without means. His settle- 
ment steadily grew in numbers and in wealth. Although surrounded 
by Indians, his tact, upright dealing and rigid justice secured and com- 
manded their respect and friendship. He spoke the language of the 
Delawares with fluency, and was on terms of intimacy with their chief 
men. A .sacred truce was long maintained between them, and the 
tomahawk was buried deep. The influence of this just and pacific 
policy towards the aborigines was of necessity confined within a very 
narrow sphere. Untoward and sinister agencies were active else- 
where. French ambition, assisted by the baleful influence of French 
gold, poisoned the blood of the red men and fired their hearts with an 
intense and savage desire for vengeance. A war of extermination was 
proclaimed and waged against the English. 



BENJAMIN CHAMBERS. 55 

The life of the isolated and scattered settlements of the Kittatinny 
country was about to go out in blood. The dark war cloud came 
rolling in upon the infant settlement at Chambersburg. It was a time 
when the stoutest heart might well quail and the manly cheek might 
well blanch, for friend and foe were alike victims upon the altar of 
Moloch. 

On the 3d of July, 1754, Colonel Washington was compelled to 
capitulate to a superior force of allied French and Indians, at Fort 
Necessity, Under the weight of this dire calamity the frontier settle- 
ments invoked the assistance and protection of the Provincial Govern- 
ment. The following petition will serve to illustrate the earnestness 
of the appeal and the imminency of the peril. 

To the Honourable James Hamilton, Esq. , Lieutenant Governor and Commander-in- 
Chief of the Province of Pennsylvania and Counties of New Castle, Kent, and 
Sussex, in Delaware. 

The address of the subscribers, inhabitants of the county of Cumberland, humbly 
sheweth : 

That we are now in the most imminent danger by a powerful army of cruel, 
merciless, and inhuman enemies, by whom our lives, liberties, and estates, and all that 
tends to promote our welfare, are in the utmost danger of dreadful destruction, and 
this lamentable truth is most evident from the late defeat of the Virginia forces ; and 
now, as we are under your Honour's protection, we would beg your immediate notice, 
we living upon the frontiers of the Province, and our enemies so close upon us, 
nothing doubting but that these considerations will affect your Honour ; and as you 
have our welfare at heart, that you defer nothing that may tend to hasten our relief, 
etc. 

This petition was signed by Benjamin Chambers and seventy-four 
others, and dated Cumberland, July 15th, 1754. 

The intelligence of the bloody drama which closed the march of 
Braddock's doomed army on the 9th of July, 1755, completed the 
dismay of the unprotected settlements. Many of the people fled, with 
what effects they could carry, to Shippensburg and Carlisle. 

Mr. Chambers, ever upon the alert to save his infant colony from 
the destruction which seemed to be close at hand, wrote and forwarded 
the following letter : 

Falling Spring, Sabbath Morning, 
Nov. 2d, 17SS. 

To the Inhabitants of the Lower Part of the county of Cumberland . 

Gentlemen : — If you intend to go to the assistance of your neighbours, you need 
not wait longer for the certainty of the news. The Great Cove is destroyed. James 



56 MEN OF MARK. 

Campbell left his company last night and went to the fort at Mr. Steel's meeting house, 
and there saw some of the inhabitants of the Great Cove, who gave this account : that, 
as they came over the hill, they saw their houses in flames. The messenger says that 
there are but one hundred, and that they are divided into two parts ; the one part to 
go against the Cove, and the other against the Conolloways, and there are two French 
among them. They are Delawares and Shawneese. The part that came against the 
Cove are under the command of Shingos, the Delaware king. The people of the Cove 
that came off saw several men lying dead ; they heard the murder shout, and the firing 
of guns, and saw the Indians going into their houses before they left sight of the Cove. 
I have sent express to Marsh creek at the same time I send this ; so I expect there 
will be a good company there this day ; and as there are but one hundred of the 
enemy, I think it is in our power, if God permit, to put them to flight, if you turn out 
well from your parts. I understand that the West Settlement is designed to go, if they 
can get any assistance, 'to repel them. All in haste, from 

Your humble servant, 

BENJAMIN CHAMBERS. 



These urgent appeals remained unanswered. The Provincial 
Government was too indifferent to heed these calls for help, and too 
weak to furnish arms and men for the protection of the frontiers. 
There was no alternative, but to abandon the settlement, or to remain, 
stand for its defence, and share its fate. To abandon it, was to insure 
its annihilation. To remain, and attempt to save it, was to imperil life. 
A stout heart and a cool head were needed, or all would be lost. But 
the path of duty is never long doubtful to the true man. The hour of 
trial is the crucible that refines human nature and lifts the soul above 
the dross of earth. 

Mr. Chambers resolved to stand by his feeble settlement, to rescue 
it from the peril that threatened it, or to perish with it. He erected a 
fort at his own expense, and armed it with two cannon of four pound 
calibre and with such other offensive weapons as he could procure. 
He tempered his show of force, upon all proper occasions, with a 
friendly and conciliatory policy towards the Indians. It is true that his 
fort was not impregnable, and could not have withstood a fierce assault 
or held out ag-ainst the rioours of a sieo-e. But the unfalterine courag-e 
and iron will of its commandant made it strong enough to baffle 
savage vengeance, and to guard through long, weary years of desul- 
tory warfare the town which his energy and enterprise had founded. 

About the year 1 748, Mr. Chambers received the commission of 
colonel from the Provincial Government. 

It would be most likely that he who had left his native land and 
established his home upon the frontiers of civilization ; whose destiny 
it was to battle with the dangers of the wilderness ; to toil, and 



BENJAMIN CIt AMBERS. 57 

struggle, and suffer ; whose task it was to found and nurture into 
strength a prosperous town ; whose clear head, wise counsels, and 
stern justice, managed and adjudged its affairs in peace, and whose 
unflinching bravery and unyielding fortitude defended it in war, would 
be a patriotic citizen, a good neighbour, a just man, a firm friend, a 
devoted father, and a devout Christian. Colonel Chambers possessed 
all these qualities in an eminent degree. In private life he was 
respected and esteemed for the purity of his character, the kindliness 
of his disposition, the soundness of his judgment, and for his austere 
love of justice. He was the recognized counsellor of the community 
in which he lived, and for many years a magistrate — the arbiter of all 
disputes, from whose judgment none cared to appeal. 

The original settlers of Chambersburg and vicinity were almost 
exclusively Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, devout believers in the West- 
minster Confession, and imbued with the deepest reverence for the 
Sabbath and the sanctuary. 

Mr. Chambers himself was a disciple of this creed, and built his 
settlement upon the solid rock of the Calvinistic doctrine and faith. 
Having a profound conviction that his settlement could only be 
stimulated into a sturdy and healthy growth by means of the ameliora- 
ting and enlightening influences of education and religion, he selected, 
at an early day, the most eligible and romantic site in the town, and by 
a deed dated in 1768 donated it to the religious society, "then and 
thereafter adhering to the Westminster Confession of Faith, and the 
mode of government therein contained, and for the purpose of a house 
of worship, session and school-houses, and cemetery." 

At the commencement of the Revolutionary War in 1775, Col. 
Chambers was so infirm and advanced in years, being then about 
seventy years of age, as to be incapable of the fatigues and exposure 
of a campaign so distant as the heights of Boston. Patriotism shone 
forth in his family. His eldest son, James, raised a company of 
infantry from the neighbourhood, which he commanded as captain, and 
in 1775, marched, accompanied by his younger brothers, William and 
Benjamin, as cadets, to join the American Army, then encamped on 
the high ground of Boston, where the Royal Army was besieged. 
William was about twenty-two ^years old, and Benjamin twenty. His 
three sons remained in the army during the campaign ; James having 
been advanced to the rank of colonel, and William and Benjamin to 
that of captain. They were also with the army during the arduous 
and trying campaigns of '76-77 in the Jerseys, as well as at the battles 
of Brandywine and Germantown in 1 778. On account of the infirmity 



58 MEN OF MARK. 

of their father, and the embarrassed situation of his property and pe- 
cuniary affairs, which had been deprived of the necessary attentions of 
the young men, the younger brothers, William and Benjamin, returned 
home and attended to the farm and mills. They occasionally, how- 
ever, assisted in the pursuits of Indians who had dared at times to 
make incursions upon the settlements about Bedford and Huntingdon. 

James remained in the army until the close of the Revolutionary 
War, and afterwards was appointed a general of the militia, a brigade 
of whom, including a number of volunteers he commanded in the army 
to suppress the Western or Whiskey insurrection in Pennsylvania in 
1794. 

Col. Benjamin Chambers was married twice. His first wife, whom 
he married in 1741, and who was a daughter of Captain Robert 
Patterson, of Lancaster, was the mother of his eldest son, James. After 
her death, which occurred in a few years, he married Miss Jane 
Williams, the daughter of a Presbyterian clergyman, of the Virginia 
colony, from Wales. He died on the 17th of February, 1788, at the 
age of eighty years. 



REV. THOMAS CRAIGHEAD. 



LTHOUGH this excellent minister spent only a small portion 
of his life in Cumberland valley, he properly deserves a place 
among its distinguished men. He was the pioneer of all its 
ministers, and was their general correspondent for bringing over and 
settling ministers from Ireland. 

He was the son of Rev. Robert Craighead, a native of Scotland, 
who removed to Ireland, was a pastor in Derry and Donoughmore, 
was the author of several, even now, highly prized volumes in spiritual 
and controversial divinity, and twice a Commissioner of the Synod of 
Ulster at Loudon. Thomas was born and studied medicine in Scot- 
land, but he soon became a preacher, and was settled for ten or twelve 
years in Ireland. Near this time a large emigration of Irish Presby- 
terians to America took place, in consequence of the oppression of the 
landlords, the sacramental test, and the marriage grievances, and 
Thomas Craighead was induced to unite with them. 

His name occurs first, in 171 5, among the ministers of New England. 
There were many immigrants from Ireland in that region, but Mather 
first notices him as a preacher at Freetown, about forty miles south of 
Boston. He was a relative of a Mr. Hathaway of that town, and had 
probably gone there at that gentleman's invitation. Some difficulties 
arose to prevent his final settlement, with reference to the payment of 
his salary, in respect to which they were quite delinquent and he was 
perhaps impatient. Mather writes, (5th month 22d, 1718, and 5th 
month 2 1 St, 1719,) entreating the people, "to give a demonstration of 
the wisdom that is from above" by encouraging Mr. Craighead in his 
work, and says that they could not be insensible that he was " a man 
of an excellent spirit and a great blessing to their plantation," "a man 
of singular piety, meekness, humility and industry in the work of God. 
All that are acquainted with him have a precious esteem of him, and if 
he should be driven from among you, it would be such a damage, yea, 
such a ruin, as is not without horror to be thought of" These plans 
appear to have been unsuccessful, for, at least, in 1723 he is said by 
President Stiles, to have "gone to the Jerseys." In the year 1724, 
(January 28th,) he became a member of Newcastle Presbytery, which 
then included portions of Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 
He was called both to Elk and to White Clay, but he accepted the 



6o MEN OF MARR. 

invitation to the latter place, under the condition that he should give a 
portion of his time to Brandywine. 

In 1733, IVir. Craighead removed to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, 
and in September of that year he received and accepted a call to 
Pequea, where he was installed October 31. Donegal Presbytery, of 
which he now became a member, always speak of him as " Father 
Craighead," and appear to have had a peculiar veneration and love for 
him. He was very active in planting and building up churches in that 
region. His preaching was remarkably fervent and often attended 
with revivals. His theology was strictly conformed to the West- 
minster Confession, for which he displayed a special attachment, and 
which he subscribed first, both in Newcastle and Donegal Presbyteries. 

Mr. Craighead's pastoral relation to the church of Pequea, was 
dissolved September 19th, 1735. On the 27th of the next month he 
was appointed by Presbytery to supply " the people of the Conodo- 
guinit," by which was meant the congregation of Upper Penns- 
borough, whose place of meeting was a mile or two northwestward of 
Carlisle. After fulfilling this appointment, and a subsequent one at 
Hopewell, he received a call from the people of Hopewell, which he 
was prepared to accept, but as there were some difficulties respecting 
" the boundaries" between that congregation and that of Pennsborough, 
action in the case was delayed. He, however, supplied the people of 
Hopewell, whose place of meeting was at " the Big Spring," now New- 
ville. Some difficulties followed him on account of his continuing to 
debar his wife from the commuijion. After quite a long consideration 
of the affair in Presbytery, Mr. C. declared his resolution to admit his 
wife to sealing ordinances for the future, and Mrs. C. expressed her 
aversion against overhauling former unhappy differences, declaring that 
"her husband lived in desirable peace and unity with her;" when 
Presbytery declared itself satisfied, and withdrew all action in the case. 
On the 17th of November, 1737, the call of the people of Hopewell 
was renewed and accepted, and his installation was ordered "at some 
convenient time before the next stated meeting." His pastorate there, 
however, was of only a short duration. He was now an aged man, 
though his earnestness and power remained unabated. A descendant 
of his, (Thomas Craighead, Jr., of Whitehill, Cumberland county,) 
declares that under his discourses not unfrequently so intense were the 
emotions of his hearers, that they were unwilling at the proper time to 
disperse. At such times he would continue his impassioned discourse 
while his audience were melted in tears. On one of these occasions, 
(near the close of April, 1 739,) he became exhausted, and hastened to 



" REV. THOMAS CRAIGHEAD. 5l 

pfonounce the benediction ; waiving his hand he exclaimed, " Farewell ! 
farewell !" and sank down and expired. His remains are reported to 
^ lie, without a monument, under the corner stone of the present house of 
worship at Newville. 

Mr. Craighead had four sons : Thomas, whose daughter, Elizabeth, 
married Rev. Dr. Matthew Wilson, pastor of the First Presbyterian 
church of Philadelphia; Andrew, who died a bachelor, at White Clay 
creek ; John, who was a large landholder near Carlisle, Pa., and whose 
descendants are numerous, two of them being eminent ministers in the 
Presbyterian Church. Jane, one of his three daughters, married Rev. 
Adam Boyd, whose descendants are well known in Baltimore and 
vicinity. Alexander, the third son, was early introduced into the 
ministry under his father, and was licensed to preach (October 8th, 
1734,) and ordained and installed over the church at Middle Octorara, 
Presbytery of Donegal, November iSth, 1735. He was probably the 
first to whom the duty was assigned of supplying two Sabbaths, at 
three different times, (October i6th, 1734, April 4th, 1735, and Septem- 
ber 3d, 1785,) for "the settlement over the river." He was, however, 
never an inhabitant of the Cumberland valley. He was an ardent 
supporter of Whitefield and the revivals. His zeal betrayed him into 
some irregularities which became the subject of much discussion before 
the Synod. Before any result was reached the Synod was divided, 
and he adhered to the New Brunswick party. On the refusal of that 
party to revive "The Solemn League and Covenant," he separated 
from them and attempted to establish churches in connection with the 
Reform Presbyteries. In 1749, he removed to Augusta county, Va., 
but his congregation being scattered on the news of Braddock's defeat, 
(1755,) he removed to Mecklenburgh county, N. C. In July, 1753, 
his name appears again on the roll of the New York Synod, and on 
that of New Casde Presbytery in 1754. In 1758, he became pastor 
of a congregation at Rocky River, N. C, in the vicinity of which he 
lived and died, (March, 1766,) much respected and beloved. He has 
numerous descendants in the South and West, and one of these, 
Thomas B. Craighead, was an eminent minister in Tennessee, though 
finally suspended for some errors in doctrine, (1824.) 




REV. SAMUEL THOMPSON. 

N the minutes of the Presbytery of Donegal for Nov. i6, 1737, 
it is recorded that " Mr. .Samuel Thompson, lately from 
Ireland, produced credentials and recommendatory letters," 
and on the next day, he was " received as a probationer and exhorted 
to diligence in his studies." He was at the same time appointed to 
" supply at Pennsborough, the first four Sabbaths to come." This is 
the first authentic notice we have found respecting the subject of this 
sketch. 

He continued to supply the two churches of Upper and Lower 
Pennsborough, although application was made from the people at 
Falling Spring, (Chambersburg,) for his appointment there in 1738. 
It was during this period that some complaint was made of him before 
Synod, on account of a letter which he had written, in which were 
" some things very offensive to the honourable proprietor." On his 
being interrogated by his Presbytery, " he acknowledged his impru- 
dence and inadvertency in writing said letter, which was designed to 
signify not his own but his people's thoughts, and which he never 
expected 1.0 go any farther than the one to whom it was directed." A 
number of the people of Pennsborough being present, " took the whole 
blame of the writing on themselves, and declared that they were 
provoked thereunto by their being credibly informed that some in 
authority had threatened to order a constable to pull Mr. T. out of 
the pulpit on the .Sabbath, and drag him at an horse's tail to Newtown." 
This acknowledgment was, on the whole, accepted, but a member of 
Presbytery was sent " sharply to rebuke the people for constraining 
him to write the letter." The request of the two congregations of 
Pennsborough to have him ordained and installed over them was, for 
some time, declined on account of arrearages due to former supplies, 
but finally a satisfactory arrangement was made respecting them, and 
after " public advertisement at the meeting-house door, that if any 
would advance any lawful objection against his being set apart to the 
work of the holy ministry, it should then be given," he was publicly 
ordained and installed Nov. 14, 1739. 

The pastorate of Mr. Thompson continued for nearly ten years, 
(1739-49.) In 1745, he was released from his charge of Lower Penns- 
borough, (Silvers' Spring,) " on account of bodily weakness," though 



REV. SAMUEL THOMPSON. 63 

he was still directed " to be generous and industrious in preaching 
there, according to his convenience and their necessity." Under his 
labours, the congregation of Upper Pennsborough became very 
numerous and influential. The building in which they worshiped was 
insufficient to accommodate the multitudes who assembled, especially 
on sacramental occasions, and not unfrequently, in fair weather, they 
collected in a grove on the high bank of the Conodoguinnett. He 
resided on the extensive glebe which the proprietors had given in fee 
simple to the congregation, and he is said to have cultivated it to a 
large extent with his own hands. He was, however, a good scholar, 
as was in fact indispensable to meet the high demands of his hearers 
and the ecclesiastical wants of that day. Cases of discipline were 
numerous in his church, which he appears to have managed with wis- 
dom and fidelity. In two instances he was himself charged with 
immoralities, but after a careful investigation he was, in the one case, 
reproved for prevarication, but in the other was honourably cleared by 
his Presbytery and restored to his ministerial office, from which he had 
been suspended during the inquiry. So many " unhappy jealousies 
and disputes " had however arisen in the course of these judicial cases, 
that Mr. Thompson " doubted whether he could be further useful in 
this congregation," and at his own request and with his people's con- 
sent he was released from his pastoral connection with it, November 
14, 1749. ^ 

It was during the pastorate of Mr. Thompson at Pennsborough that 
the first division of the Presbyterian church took place, (1743-58). 
He was made an object of special attack by those who charged min- 
isters with unfaithfulness to their flocks, and a spirit of schism was 
strongly expressed among his people. He, himself, adhered to the 
Philadelphia Synod, or what was called the Old Side, but his congrega- 
tion is said to have been among those which were " divided during the 
revival." There is no record of the organization of the church which 
was formed during these dissensions at Carlisle. 

On his dismission from Upper Pennsborough, he went to reside at 
Great Conewago, in Adams county, near Gettysburg, where he was 
installed as pastor, and appears to have spent his time peacefully and 
usefully. On several occasions he was sent to supply destitute settle- 
ments in Virsfinia. He was dissatisfied with the arrangement of the 
Presbyteries on the re-union, (1758,) and for the remainder of his min- 
isterial life attended but once on the meetings of the re-united Synod, 
and took no part in the meetings of his Presbytery. In the final 
adjustment of matters however, he appears to have acquiesced, and to 



64 MEN OF MARK. 

have lived in harmony with his co-presbyters. In 1779, he requested 
leave to resign his charge " on account of his infirmities of old age," 
and the commissioner from his congregation reports that his people 
" have afforded a gratuity for his support, which is satisfactory to him, 
and acquiesce with him in his request." Although this request was 
complied with, he continued in this partial connection with that people 
until April 29th, 1787, when his death took place, after a ministry in 
this region of forty-si.x years. 

He was probably married when he first settled at Pennsborough, as 
an inscription, accompanied by a coat of arms, on a tombstone in the 
old cemetery on the Conodoguinnett, reads: " Here lys ye body of 
Janet, wife of ye Rev. Samuel Thompson, who deceased September ye 
29, 1744, aged 44 years." As the fruit of this marriage he had at 
least one son, William, who was sent to England for his education and 
there took orders as a minister in the Episcopal church. He was 
sent to this country under the support of the " Society for the Propa- 
gation of Religion in Foreign Parts," was the rector of St. John's 
church, in Carlisle, and was eminently useful in ministering to the dis- 
tressed people of Cumberland and York counties, during the Indian 
wars. Among his descendants were James Hamilton, Esq., and Mrs. 
J. V. Thorn, lately of Carlisle. 




ROBERT WHITEHILL. 

AMES WHITEHILL was born February ist, 1700, and died at 
Pequea, Lancaster county, Pa., February 2d, 1766, and was 
the father of eleven sons and daug-hters. 

Robert, his son, was born July 29th, 1738, in the Pequea setdement, 
before Lancaster county was organized. He enjoyed, when a lad, the 
advantages of a good elementary education, such as the common 
country schools afforded ; but subsequendy, by reading, enlarged his 
stock of useful information, which proved alike beneficial to himself 
and serviceable to his country. 

In 1770, Mr. Whitehill purchased from the proprietaries of Pennsyl- 
vania, two tracts of land in Lauther Manor, which was not re-surveyed 
and divided into lots until 1766, though much of the land immediately 
west of the Manor had been taken up and settled thirty years before 
Mr. Whitehill moved to Cumberland county. 

In the Spring of 1771, he left Lancaster county, and on the land 
thus purchased, erected the first stone house in the Manor, within two 
miles of the Susquehanna river ; which he occupied till the time of his 
death, on the 8th day of April, 181 3. 

Mr. Whitehill long represented Cumberland county in various 
capacities. He was elected a member of the Convention held in 
Philadelphia, in July, 1776, in which the Declaration of Independence 
by Congress was approved, and other highly important measures were 
adopted, among which were the Constitution of Pennsylvania, the Bill 
of Rights, &c., &c. He was also a member of the Assembly held in 
Philadelphia, in November, 1776, which continued in session until the 
i8th of September, 1777, when it was removed to Lancaster, and 
assembled there the 29th of September, 1777, continuing in session 
until the nth of September, 1778. .Subsequently to this he was 
occasionally a member of both branches of the Legislature. He was a 
member of the Convention that adopted the Constitution of 1790, 
though in the printed Constitution his name does not appear, because 
he was so much opposed to some of its provisions that he refused to 
affix his name to it. He was also a member of the Convention that 
agreed on the part of Pennsylvania to the Constitution of the United 
States. 

Mr. Whitehill was a member of the House of Representatives 



66 MEN OF MARK. 

during the stormy sessions of 1798, 1799 and 1800. In 1 801, he was 
elected to the Senate, and was the Speaker during the trial on 
impeachment of the Judges of the Supreme Court. In 1805, he was 
elected to Congress, and was four times re-elected, and was a member 
at the time of his death. It is said he served longer, in a represen- 
tative capacity, than any other man in Pennsylvania, and it was his 
proud boast that he never intrigued for a nomination, nor solicited a 
vote. 




REV. JOHN CRAIGHEAD. 

|OHN CRAIGHEAD was the second son of John and Rachel R. 
Craighead, who removed from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, 
in the year 1742, and settled on a large tract of land four miles 
south of Carlisle. His great grandfather was Rev. Robert Craighead, 
a Scotchman, who went to Ireland as early as 1657 ^i" 8, and was 
pastor first at Donoughmore and then at Londonderry. He subse- 
quently resided in Dublin, and was the author of several volumes on 
Practical Religion, and on the Controversy with the Prelatists of Ireland. 
Rev. Thomas Craighead, son of Robert, was his grandfather, who 
came to New England in 171 5, and after preaching eight years near 
Fall River, Mass., removed to Delaware and was installed pastor over 
the Presbyterian church at White Clay creek. In 1 733 he accepted a call 
to Pequea, Lancaster county, Pa., and afterwards to Hopewell, (New- 
ville, Cumberland county,) where he closed his ministry with his life. 

The subject of this sketch was born in the year 1 742, and passed his 
early youth on his father's farm. He pursued his classical studies at 
Princeton College, graduating in 1763. Erom Carlisle Presbytery, 
October 30th, 1 765, he received a letter of recommendation to the 
Presbytery of Lancaster, within whose bounds he was prosecuting the 
the study of divinity. The latter Presbytery being in existence but a 
single year, he was transferred to Donegal Presbytery and appointed 
as a probationer, " to supply vacancies within its bounds." A call from 
Rocky Spring, near Chambersburg, Pa., was placed in his hands, April, 
1 767, as also an application for his services from Newcastle Presbytery. 
The latter invitation led to a correspondence between the two Presby- 
teries, the final result of which was an acceptance by Mr. Craighead, 
in October of the same year, of the call from Rocky Spring, at a salary 
of .^100 ; when he presented a certificate of dismission and recommend- 
ation from Newcastle Presbytery (into which connection he had come 
by a new adjustment of the Presbyteries by Synod) to Donegal Presby- 
tery, and " was cheerfully and heartily received." His sermon, exegesis, 
examinations in Greek and Latin, and the various parts of trial, are 
stated as having been " fully sustained ;" and he was ordained and 
installed by Presbytery April 13th, 1768. 

From the records of Presbytery it appears that Mr. Craighead con- 
tinued without interruption and with great fidelity and usefulness in 



68 MEN OF MARK. 

this pastoral relation until the year 1789, discharging not only his 
duties to his own congregation, but spending much of his time, as was 
the custom with these pioneer preachers, in organizing churches, and 
supplying settlements which had no regular means of grace. An inter- 
ruption of his labours occurred for one year at this time, owing to ill 
health, which incapacitated him both *" in mind and body to attend to the 
duties of his office." But we find him again regularly in his place at the 
meeting of Carlisle Presbytery (which had been organized In 1 786) in 
the Spring of 1 791, when he was appointed its Commissioner to the 
General Assembly; and in the June meeting of 1792, supplies were 
provided for his pulpit In order that he might fulfil a mission on which 
he was sent by the Assembly. What this mission was, or the time 
occupied in its discharge, we are not Informed. Most probably it was 
of a similar character to that which was frequently entrusted to the 
more prominent and experienced clergymen of this region — that of 
several months' missionary labours among the scattered members of 
Christ's flock who lived remote from organized churches, and were 
deprived of the sacraments. These missionary tours were made on 
horseback, over mountains and through forests, with nothing often- 
times to mark the road but blazed trees ; and frequently they consumed 
months in their prosecution, and e.xtended to a distance of several 
hundred miles. 

The next mention made of Mr. Craighead Is in 1793 when he was 
again chosen to represent his Presbytery In the Assembly ; and it 
would appear he was In the performance of all his official duties as 
pastor until some time in 1795 or 6, when an application was made to 
the Presbytery for supplies on account of his inability " to discharge 
the ministerial functions." His ill health continuing, and the Presbytery 
believing " that there are not probable symptoms of his recovery, and 
that his temporal circumstances are comfortable," dissolved the pastoral 
relation on April 9th, i 799, " solely for inability." His death almost 
Immediately followed, taking place April 20th, 1799. His body was 
laid to rest In the graveyard adjoining the church where he had so long 
and so ably preached the Gospel, and over it an affectionate people 
erected a suitable memorial, on which were inscribed his name, the 
dates of his installation and death, and that, " He was a faithful and 
zealous servant of Jesus Christ." 

While on his way to join the American Army in New Jersey, and in 
passing through Lancaster county, he stopped with his company at 

* He was subject to great depressionof spirits at times, which unfitted him for preaching and pastoral 
duties. 



REV. JOHN CRAIGHEAD. 69 

the house of Rev. Adam Boyd, where he made the acquaintance of his 
daughter Jenny. After the close of the campaign they were married. 
His wife survived him, leaving no children. 

Mr. Craighead, like nearly every other Presbyterian minister in the 
Cumberland valley, and indeed in this country, was an earnest patriot 
in the war for Independence. He could scarcely have been different, 
descended as he was from a Scotch-Irish ancestry, who in Scotland, 
Ireland, and in this country, were ever foremost in their resistance to all 
forms of oppression, and in their maintenance of civil and religious 
liberty. His uncle, Rev. Alexander Craighead, at as early a period as 
1742, while residing in Lancaster county, published such advanced 
sentiments on the subject of political freedom that he incurred the 
displeasure of the Governor of the Province, and also of his fellow 
ministers ; so that he finally removed to North Carolina, where his 
opinions and teaching were said to have been more influential than 
those of any other individual in the final production of the celebrated 
Mecklenberg Declaration of Independence. 

The zeal and devotion of the subject of this sketch in his country's 
cause was similarly noteworthy. It is said of him that " he fought and 
preached alternately ;" referring to his acting as captain of his 
company, when on the march and in the battle, and in camp, dis- 
charging the duties of chaplain to his" soldiers. 

Referring to a large oak tree which stood at the entrance to the 
mansion of one of his parishioners, Mr. Sharp, a writer* says ; " Here 
also, in the early days of the Revolution, the brave and gifted Craig- 
head gathered the men of this remote part of his congregation, and 
standing under its majestic branches, addressed them in favour of 
American Independence. In thrilling tones he exhorted his members 
to stand up boldly and let their slogan cry, " God and Liberty," forever 
ring from mountain to mountain. Roused by his fervid eloquence and 
patriotic example, they enlisted in defence of liberty, and their names 
may be found amongst those slaughtered at the " Paoli " and the 
" Billet;" who suffered at Valley Forge, and who fought at Brandywine, 
Monmouth, and other battles." 

Still another writer states that he preached " in glowing terms, Jesus 
Christ, the only hope of salvation, and after the delivery of his sacred 
message, in eloquent and patriotic strains exhorted the youth of his 
congregation to rise up and join the noble band, then engaged under 
the immortal Washington, in struggling to free our beloved country 
from British oppression." On one of these occasions the patriot 

^ *C. J. McClay, M. D. ~ 



70 



MEN OF MARK. 



preacher declaimed in such fervid and powerful terms respecting the 
evils his country u'as enduring, and presented such a description of 
each man's duty that " the whole congregation rose from their seats and 
declared their willingness to march to the conflict." 

Besides inspiring others with courage and resolution, as is further 
evinced by a sermon still preserved in the Presbyterian Historical 
Society entitled, " Courage in a Good Cause," preached before Col. 
Montgomery's Battalion, August 31, 1775, Mr. Craighead, at the 
commencement of the war, " raised a company from the members of 
his own congregation, put himself at their head, and joined Washing- 
ton's army in New Jersey." In many hard fought battles this clerical 
captain and his men "gave undoubted evidence that their courage was 
of no mean order." 

The bold and faithful pastor subsequently returned to his congrega- 
tion, and watched over it until increasing infirmities, and finally death 
severed the endearingf relation. 




REV. JOHN STEEL 

IHE first notice we find respecting Mr. Steel is in the minutes of 
the Presbytery of Donegal for May 25th, 1736, when "the 
principal members " of the congregation of Nottingham 
" agree to carry into execution a method for supporting John Paton 
and John Steel." In 1742 he is called by the commission of the Synod 
of Philadelphia, "a probationer from Ireland, who offered himself to our 
care as a candidate for the sacred work of the ministry, but was under 
some difficulty with relation to a marriage promise claimed by a young 
woman in Ireland, as his testimonials set forth, and by reason of some 
steps taken by him in his marriage in this country. The commission 
finding in all things that his conduct at home and in this country has 
been fair and unblamable, those things excepted, do advise the 
Presbytery of New Castle to defer taking him on trials till December 
next, and in the meantime desire that both the young man and the 
Presbytery write to the Presbytery of Londonderry, in Ireland, to see 
if any further light may be obtained in said affair." In the year 1743, 
" the people of Great Conewago (Hunterstown, near Gettysburg,) 
supplicate for Mr. Steel, a probationer of New Castle," and the 
Presbytery of Donegal accordingly send to him their call, which 
after some months' consideration he declined. Next year (1744) 
the Presbytery of New Castle reported to the Synod that they had 
ordained him to the work of the ministry. He appears at once to 
have secured the confidence of his brethren in a hig;h decrree for his 
learning and practical judgment, for that same year he was selected by 
them as one of the trustees of the school under Alison and McDowall, 
for the education of young men tor the ministry, and which afterwards 
was transferred to Newark, Del., where many able ministers received 
their education; and the next year (1745) he was appointed by Synod 
on an important committee to report a plan of union with the Synod 
of New York. While he was a licentiate (1743) he was sent to 
Virginia and to Conestoga, and after his ordination he was probably 
settled for about seven years at New London, Chester county, near the 
borders of Maryland and Delaware. In the year 1752, possibly earlier, 
he removed to West Conococheague, in what is now Franklin county, 
where he had charge of two congregations which, however, were yet 
in their infancy and differed from each other on the religious questions 



72 AfEN OF MARK. 

of the time. They were also in the midst of the perils of Indian 
depredations, which were then so terrible that not unfrequently the 
inhabitants of that part of Cumberland valley were obliged to quit 
their habitations and crowd into the more settled parts of the province. 
The people never ventured to assemble for worship without being fully 
equipped and watched by sentries against surprise. One of the 
meeting houses in which Mr. Steel preached was fortified as a fort, and 
after a while was burned to the grround. A number of whole families 
under his charge were barbarously murdered. Such was his coolness, 
courage and skill, that he was chosen to be the captain of the company 
formed among the settlers, and several expeditions are mentioned, 
under his command, into coves and over the mountains against the 
enemy. The government finally (1755) commissioned him as a 
captain of the provincial troops, and he was for many years active in 
the service. Under such circumstances it was impossible for him to 
to hold his congregations to regularity in worship, but ample oppor- 
tunities were offered for his private ministrations among the afflicted. 
In the end his churches were broken up and he was obliged to seek a 
residence elsewhere. 

In 1754, we find Mr. Steel preaching at Nottingham and then at 
York and Shrewsbury. As the congregations of Upper and Lower 
Pennsborough were then vacant he was sent to supply them, and in 
1759 they united in calling him to become their pastor. In accepting 
this call he engaged to give a large portion of his time to Carlisle. 
This was resisted by Mr. Duftield, whose call was oi an earlier date, 
and stipulated that two-thirds of his time should be given to that town, 
and by the terms of the recent reunion in the Presbyterian church, all 
care was to be taken to heal those divisions which had taken place in 
towns which were unable to sustain more than one minister. The 
efforts of Presbytery, however, were ineffectual and two houses of wor- 
ship were erected in Carlisle, which had now become the centre of 
business for the region. It had become evident that the old meeting- 
house on the Conodoguinnett would soon be forsaken, and the congre- 
gation, which had for so many years assembled there, now gravitated 
toward the new town. From a letter of Colonel Armstrong, dated 
June 30, 1757, we learn that the people were to begin the next day to 
" haul stones for the buildintj of a meetincj-house on the north side of 
the square," and by a comparison of dates we must see that this was 
before either Mr. Steel or Mr. Duffield had begun to reside in Cum- 
berland county, and was before the actual re-union of the general 
church. The New York Synod had, about that time, sent some 



REV. JOHN STEEL. -jt, 

ministers of their body to preach and to organize churches in this 
region, and it is very probable that a division had taken place in the 
church of Upper Pennsborough. On the organization of Donegal 
Presbytery, under the re-united church, Mr. Duffield was attached to it 
and soon afterwards a call was laid before it that Mr. Steel might 
become the pastor of the two churches of Pennsborough. This call 
was immediately accepted by him, and his installation took place early 
in April, 1759. It was a long time in the difficult circumstances of that 
period before the stone church on the square, in Carlisle, could have 
been tenantable, and we know that Mr. Steel's congregation must have 
had some other place of meeting in town. Tradition tells us of a "two- 
story dwelling," two doors north of the public square on Hanover 
street, in which Mr. S. resided, and some intimations are given that it 
was used also for public worship. 

An unhappy state of feeling existed for a long time between these 
two ministers, and their congregations. Their complaints of each 
other were not unfrequently before Presbytery and Synod, generally 
referring, however, to matters of minor importance. And yet their 
congregations appear to have prospered and to have enjoyed evident 
tokens of Divine favour. There are no indications in the history of Mr. 
Steel's congregations that his ministry was attended with such power- 
ful revivals as we read of in other churches, but his instructive style of 
preaching and his faithfulness in catechising and training the young 
were perhaps equally successful in keeping up the number of his com- 
municants. Many of his sermons were in the possession of his great 
grandson, Robert Given, Esq., of Holly Springs, but were unfortu- 
nately consumed in a burning of the house which contained them. 
They were not only remarkable for a neat chirography and careful 
composition, but for calm earnestness, soundness in doctrine and a 
high tone of morality. 

From an instrument, the original of which is in the possession of the 
Rev. Dr. Wing, it appears that the congregations of Upper and Lower 
Pennsborough, (Silvers' Spring,) agreed to pay him each seventy-five 
pounds on condition that each should receive an equal share of his 
labours. This was dated April, 1764, and we know that it continued at 
least three years and perhaps much longer. The disorders incident to 
the period of the Revolutionary War, broke up again his more peace- 
ful occupations. His wdl known intrepidity and public spirit were 
more than once called into public service in repressing some popular 
commotions. In February, 1768, he was commissioned by Governor 
John Penn to visit with some others about 150 families who had 



74 MEN OF MARK. 

settled, contrary to law, on the Redstone and the Youghiogeny rivers, 
and to induce them peaceably to remove. The mission was not 
altogether successful, but was performed on his part to the satisfaction 
of the civil authorities. The same year he co-operated with the 
justices of the county in endeavouring to restrain certain rioters from 
over the mountain who were rescuing two murderers of Indians from 
the jail in Carlisle. With a party of men he pursued after them, but 
was not strong enough to recover the prisoners. 

During the pendency of measures for asserting the rights of the 
colonies against the mother country, he sympathized ardently with the 
patriots. A large meeting was held July 12, 1774, in his church, and 
was presided over by one of his elders, John Montgomery, in which 
the boldest sentiments were avowed, and active measures were taken 
to defend their rights. Three thousand men were organized, armed 
and furnished, and the Hon. George Chambers informs us that "the 
company which was in the lead was under the command of the Rev. 
Captain John Steel." He was however too far advanced in years for 
protracted service as a soldier, and we have no evidence that he was 
much in the field. His congregation, however, was almost completely 
disorganized in consequence of the number who went from it into 
the service. The common title of" Reverend Captain," which was given 
him by the popular voice, was never a reproach, for he was never 
known to act unworthily of either part of the designation. 

Mr. Steel was never satisfied with the arrangement of ministers and 
churches in Donegal Presbytery after the re-union. He and others of 
what were called the Old Side, on finding themselves in a minority in 
that body, seceded, and when they found no relief in Synod, they con- 
tinued for three years in a state of separation. Finally they were 
united with others of a similar affinity within the bounds of Synod, and 
formed into the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia. His punctuality in 
every duty would never allow him to be absent, and for twelve years, 
he was in the habit of journeying, in his own conveyance, at least 
annually, to the city of Philadelphia, to attend upon ecclesiastical 
meetings. He died in August, 1779, leaving a reputation for stern 
integrity, zeal for what he deemed truth and righteousness, and a high 
sense of honour. His remains lie interred in the Old Cemetery of 
Carlisle. 




GENERAL JOHN ARMSTRONG. 

ROBABLY no one among the early settlers of Cumberland 
county had more influence in directing its institutions and desti- 
nies than John Armstrong. He and a brother, William, (of 
whom we have no further information,) and a sister, Margaret, came from 
the north of Ireland some time before i 748, when a family record proves 
that he had become permanently settled in Carlisle. He first appears as 
a surveyor under the Proprietary Government, and we are informed 
that a large portion of the lands in middle Pennsylvania were first 
surveyed by him. The town of Carlisle which had been laid out at an 
earlier period, (1750,) was, with its adjacent lands, resurveyed and 
mapped out in its present form by him in 1762. In 1755, he was a 
Colonel, and had a controlling part in directing the defense of the 
settlers against the Indians. A commission now in the possession of 
his descendants, subscribed by Thomas Penn, and bearing the seal of 
the British Government in the reign of George the Third, gave him the 
powers of a Justice of the Peace. These powers were much more 
extensive then than those which belong to the office of that name now 
and for some time the county of Cumberland, over which his jurisdic- 
tion extended, included nearly all of Pennsylvania west of the Susque- 
hanna. In the performance of these combined military and civil 
functions, when Indian ravages and border outrages were almost 
perpetual, he found sufificient occupation for most of his time, and for 
his utmost bodily and mental powers. 

It soon became evident that a more aggressive policy was necessary 
in dealing with these Indians. In those merciless incursions in which 
the peaceable inhabitants were despoiled, captured and massacred, it 
was easy for their wily foe to elude opposition and punishment by 
retiring into the depths of the wilderness, there they had constructed 
a town called Kittanning, about twenty miles above Fort Duquesne, 
(Pittsburgh,) and about two hundred miles westward from Carlisle. 
This was known to be a rendezvous for their warriors, a depot for 
the stores with which the French liberally supplied them, and the 
fortress where their prisoners and plunder could be kept. It was there 
that Shingis and Captain Jacobs, two relentless and faithful leaders 
had their residences, from which they sallied forth at their will to 
desolate the frontier. About two hundred and eighty provincials were 



76 MEN OF MARK. 

mustered under the command of Col. Armstrong, and sent (1755,) to 
surprise and destroy this stronghold. They succeeded in their scheme, 
for they came upon the Indians engaged in their revels at night, and in 
the early dawn set fire to their buildings and put to death the chiefs 
and most of the warriors. It was a terrible vengeance but indispensa- 
ble even in the interest of humanity. This brilliant success gained for 
the commander distinguished honours, and the corporation of Philadel- 
phia showed their appreciation of his skill and bravery by presenting 
him with a piece of plate and a silver medal, with a medal for each of 
the officers under him and a .sum of money for the widows and children 
of such as had been killed. The Colonel had himself been severely 
wounded in the action by a musket ball, in consequence of which his 
shoulder was for a while disabled. Three years afterwards, however, 
(1758,) he marched with the advanced division of 3000 Pennsylvanians 
under Col. Bouquet, belonging to the expedition under Brig. General 
Forbes against Fort Duquesne. It was during this campaign that he 
formed that acquaintance with Col. Washington, which subsequently 
ripened into intimacy and warm personal friendship. 

The previous year (June 30, 1757,) we find him engaged with his 
fellow-citizens in the erection of a " meeting house on the north side of 
the square," and the civil authorities are appealed to for help in this 
work on what he calls "political as well as religious grounds." 

He had himself, perhaps, become a member of a congregation 
recently founded by what was called the New Side, in Carlisle, but he 
appears to have entered into the labour of "hauling stones" "out of 
Col. Stanwix's entrenchments," with the utmost public spirit, and we 
have reason to believe that his intelligence and wealth were freely 
contributed to give the structure its admirable strength and proportion. 
On the 1 2th day of July, 1774, he attended a meeting of citizens in 
that building to protest against the Act of Parliament " by which the 
port of Boston was shut up; to contribute for the relief of their brethren 
who were suffering from the oppressions of the mother countr)' ; to 
recommend the immediate assembling of a Congress of deputies from 
all the colonies ; and to unite in abstaining from all trade or use of 
articles imported from Great Britain while these oppressions con- 
tinued ;" and he was appointed on the committee to correspond with 
similar committees from other provinces to co-operate in measures 
conducing to the general welfare. We have reason to believe that it 
was from a public meeting under his influence, that resolutions were 
sent up to the Provincial Assembly, calling upon that body to instruct 
those who represented the state in the General Congress to vote for 



GENERAL JOHN ARMSTRONG. jy 

an immediate declaration of independence of the mother country, and 
that here was the earUest voice raised in favour of such decisive action; 
and one which had no small influence in bringing about the final result. 
His commission as a Brigadier General in the Continental Army bears 
date March i, 1776, and is signed by John Hancock. In 1777, he 
appears as a Major General in command of the Pennsylvania troops 
during the battle of Brandywine and in the military operations of that 
year in the eastern part of the State. In consequence, however, of 
some grievance which he believed himself to be under, he left (April 
4, 1777.) the regular army, and at the battle of Germantown he 
commanded the Pennsylvania militia. He was a member ot Congress 
in 1778-80, and also in 1787-88, having been recommended for that 
position without solicitation by General Washington. 

From numerous letters of his which are published in the Colonial 
Records and Archives, it is evident that he was well educated, was 
endowed with much practical wisdom, and was much consulted and 
trusted by the Proprietary Government, and subsequently by the 
authorities of the state and nation. Among those which remain in 
manuscript in the possession of his descendants and others, are many 
from General Washington, not only upon official and public affairs, but 
upon subjects of private friendship. His own letters are all written in 
a beautiful hand, and indicate an accurate scholarship according to the 
literature of the time. The Hon. George Chambers, who was familiar 
with his general reputation, says of him ; " He was a man of intelligence, 
of integrity, and of high religious and moral character. He was 
resolute and brave, and though living habitually in the fear of the Lord, 
he feared not the face of man." The style of his piety partook much of 
the peculiar characteristics of the people and period in which he lived, 
and hence might have seemed somewhat stern when judged by men of 
other associations, but we discover beneath this occasional indications 
of an admirably humane and tender sensibility. As a specimen of the 
religious opinions and spirit of the man and of the time, we may here 
give a letter which he wrote to his son James, on the occasion of the 
death of a favourite son of the latter : 

"Carlisle, 12th April, ijg^. 

" Dear James : — I have seen your last to Polly, and see nothing wrong in it, only that 
it manifests an excess of grief, that for many important reasons ought to be moderated 
and suppressed ; the various duties yet incumbent upon you and especially your own 
eternal concerns should take the place of that natural and paternal grief, which, in a 
certain degree, is rather laudable than sinful, but may readily become so by an undue 
indulgence and want of proper consideration ; we must go to him (that is to the state of 



yS MEN OF MARK. 

the dead, ) but he will not return to us ; therefore preparation for that solemn event is 
our princii)al business. 

" From the nature and circumstances of this remarkable affliction, you may but too 
plainly and justly suspect, as I see you do, that God has a controversy with the parents of 
that child, and perhaps with his grandparents too, for so I desire to take it to myself. 
Now the immediate business which I most earnestly recommend to you is, with a 
faithful scrutiny, giving conscience its free course, that you may find out and be 
convinced of the grounds of this controversy, for examination and reflection (the 
divine word being still the standard,) are the first steps toward reformation in any man. 
And to assist you in this duty, take a retrospective view of your practical life from the 
first of your remembrance, more especially in the following particulars : In infancy 
you were presented to God in the ordinance of baptism — solemn engagements were 
therein entered into for your instruction, &c., in the faith and practice of Christianity; 
these vows and promises were to devolve on yourself at the years of discretion — ask 
yourself whether you have endeavoured to study the nature of that initiating ordinance, 
voluntarily taking these solemn obligations upon yourself and beseeching the free mercy 
of God through Christ, the Mediator, to enable you to perform these vows by giving you 
the spiritual blessing signified in and by that ordinance. Again, take a general survey 
of your life, how you have improven or misimproven your time and talents, together 
with the innumerable privileges, opportunities and admonitions received therein ; but 
especially examine what has been the general and prevailing inclination or disposition 
of your mind and will, for this indeed is the touchstone of the state of the heart, either 
towards God or against him. And here, there is great reason to fear, you may find but 
too much cause for the controversy in question, for if a general shyness, a cold 
indifference or negligence toward God, the state of the soul, the Mediator, his 
ordinances and institutions, hath been prevalent and habitual, this fully marks an 
unrenewed state of the soul, involving in it infidelity, aversioij and contempt of the 
gospel and the revealed will of God, (hence are men in a state of nature called haters of 
God.) Nor is this spiritual and moral disease to be healed by a better education, a 
few externals and transient thoughts. It requires the hand of the great Physician, the 
Lord Jesus by his Holy Spirit, and belief of the truth renewing the state of the mind 
and disposition of the heart as well, thereby leading the soul from a sense or fear of the 
wrath of God, the penalty of his broken law, and helpless in itself to flee to the merits 
of Jesus, that only refuge or foundation that God hath laid in his church, and who was 
made sin for us, (that is, a sin offering,) that all " believers might be made the 
righteousness of God by him." And this great salvation, though to be given freely, 
must be sought by adult persons, and earnestly too, only on the principles of pure 
mercy, because by nature we have neither title nor merit to procure it ; at the pool of 
ordinances must we lie, if we expect to be saved, to which means, looking for a blessing 
upon them, I earnestly recommend your most serious attention. I conclude this letter 
by putting you in mind that although you have always had the call of God in his word, 
and perhaps often in his providence too, (though unobserved and therefore neglected,) 
God hath again condescended to add another providential call, much more sensible 
and alarming to us all, in removing a dear and promising child, but with double force 
to you, therefore, see that you endeavour to bear and improve it in the true sense in 
which it is designed, that is comparatively at least, that you weep not for him but for 
yourself and the rest of your family. 

" I am youc affectionate Father, 

"JOHN ARMSTRONG." 



GENERAL JOHN ARMSTRONG. jg 

He was not only a member but an elder in the first church which 
was organized in the town of Carlisle, and to which the Rev. George 
Duffield, D. D., who married his sister, was called to be the first 
pastor. His name appears as a representative of that church in the 
Presbytery of Donegal, for the first time near that period, and 
frequently afterwards until the date of his death. He was much 
interested in opposing the infidelity which became prevalent in this 
country soon after the American and the French Revolutions, and we 
find that he corresponded freely with Dr. Cooper, an eminent divine in 
this vicinity, to induce him to compose and publish a treatise which 
was directed against that tendency but still remains only in manuscript. 
Although the congregation with which he was connected here was not 
formed until after the great schism which ruptured the Presbyterian 
Church was consummated, and although he exhibited no evidences of 
a partisan spirit, he was thrown by circumstances and by what seemed 
a hearty preference among those who sympathized strongly with the 
New York Synod. He appears, however, to have taken a prominent 
part in the building of the house of worship on the public square, 
which, for some considerable time, belonged exclusively to the rival 
congregation. The epitaph on his tombstone in the Old Cemetery of 
Carlisle, which he himself originally surveyed and laid out, informs us 
that he was " eminently distinguished for patriotism, valour and piety, 
and departed this life March 9th, i 795, aged 75 years." 




HUGH WILLIAMSON, M. D., F. R. S. 

IMONG the early Scotch-Irish immigrants to the Province of 
Pennsylvania was John Williamson, from Dublin, who settled 
in Chester county about the year 1730. Soon after his 
arrival, he was united in marriage with Mary Davison, a native of 
Derry, who came to the same county with her father, George Davison, 
when a chilci of about three years of age. In 1752 he removed to 
Shippensburg, where he died a few years afterwards. 

Of ten children — six sons and four daughters, who were the fruit of 
this marriage, and all of whom reached positions of respectability and 
usefulness, — one, at least, the eldest son, attained more than ordinar)^- 
eminence, and from his residence with his mother for a considerable 
time in Shippensburg, after his father's decease, deserves a notice 
among the distinguished sons of Cumberland valley. 

Hugh Williamson being slender and delicate his father resolved to 
give him a liberal education. After the common preparatory instruc- 
tion, he was sent at an early age to learn the languages, at the 
academy at New London Crossroads, Chester county, under Rev. 
Francis Allison, — the Busby of the Western Hemisphere. Among the 
pupils of that seminary, may be mentioned Charles Thomson, Dr. 
John Ewing, Thomas McKean, and Benjamin Rush. After Dr. Alli- 
son's transfer to Philadelphia, Hugh Williamson went to the academy 
at Newark, Delaware, where he prepared for college. He entered 
the Philadelphia college in 1753, remained there for about four years, 
and graduated A. B. May 17, 1757. He was fond of mathematics, and 
became a proficient in Euclid. He became early impressed with a 
sense of religion, and while with his mother devoted much time to the 
study of divinity, under the auspices of Rev. Dr. Samuel Finley, with a 
view to the clerical profession. In 1759, he went to Connecticut, 
where he still pursued his theological studies, and was licensed to 
preach the gospel. He preached but a short time — not exceeding two 
years — when he found that his health and strength of lungs would not 
permit the duties of the office, and he was never ordained. Moreover, 
the memorable controversy in the Presbyterian church, between the 
adherents of Whitefield and the old orthodox party, proved a source of 
disgust to him, which induced him to withdraw from theological pur- 



HUGH WILLIAMSON, M. D., F. R. S. 8 1 

suits, to which he had been sincerely attached. He accordingly left 
the pulpit and entered upon the study of medicine. 

In 1760, he received the degree of A. M. in Philadelphia college; 
and soon after, was appointed Professor of Mathematics in that insti- 
tution ; but continued his medical studies. 

October 8, 1763, he gave notice of his intended resignation of the 
professorship; and in 1764, he went to prosecute his medical studies 
at the University of Edinburg. He afterward spent a year in London 
at his studies, and from thence crossed over to Holland, and com- 
pleted his medical education at Utrecht. Having passed the usual 
examinations, and submitted a Latin thesis, he obtained the degree of 
Doctor of Medicine. Having spent some time in traveling on the con- 
tinent of Europe, he bent his course toward his native country. 

Upon his return, Dr. Williamson practiced medicine in Philadelphia 
for a few years. In 1768, he was chosen a member of the American 
Philosophical Society. His health failing, he resolved to try mercantile 
pursuits, but meanwhile, for a time, devoted himself to literary and 
philosophical investigations. In January, 1769, he was appointed by 
the Philosophical Society on a committee, with the Rev. Dr. Ewing, 
David Rittenhouse and Charles Thomson, to observe the transit of 
Venus, which occurred on the 3d of June in that year; and soon after 
to observe the transit of Mercury, which took place November 9, 1769. 
In that year, also, he philosophised on the comet. In 1770, he pub- 
lished observations on Climate, in the " American Philosophical Trans- 
actions." In 1772, he visited the West Indies, to collect contributions 
in aid of the Newark academy. In i 773, Governor John Penn certified 
to the "good credit and reputation " of Rev. John Ewing and Hugh 
Williamson, who were authorized to proceed to Europe to solicit 
further aid for said academy. They persevered under difficulties until 
the autumn of 1775, when hostilities with the colonies commenced. Dr. 
Ewing returned home ; but Dr. Williamson resolved to remain, and 
make further efforts for the academy. Dr. Williamson was the first to 
report the destruction of tea, at Boston. On that occasion he ven- 
tured to declare his opinion, that coercive measures by parliament 
would result in civil war. Lord North himself declared that Dr. 
Williamson was the first person who, in his hearing, intimated the 
probability of such an event. Dr. Williamson, while in London, was 
the man, (probably with the aid, or at the suggestion of .Sir John 
Temple,) who procured the letters of Hutchinson, Oliver and others, 
and caused them to be delivered to Dr. Franklin, who sent them to 



82 MEN OF MARK. 

Boston, for which Wedderburne, before the privy council, called 
Franklin a " thief." 

After causing the Hutchinson correspondence to reach Dr. Franklin, 
it was deemed expedient by Dr. Williamson to take an early convey- 
ance next day for Holland. It was supposed by John Adams, that Mr. 
David Hartly, a member of parliament, and a good friend of the 
Americans, was the person through whom the letters reached Dr. 
Franklin. On the Declaration of Independence, Dr. Williamson 
returned to the United States, and engaged for a time with a brother 
in trade with the West Indies. His residence then was at Edenton, 
North Carolina. In 1779-80, when the British took possession of 
Charleston, South Carolina, a large draft of military from North 
Carolina was ordered for the relief of South Carolina, on which occa- 
sion, the commander, Governor Caswell, placed Dr. Williamson at the 
head of the medical department. After the battle of Camden, August 
18, 1780, which the doctor witnessed, he requested General Caswell to 
give him a flag, that he might go and attend to the wounded North 
Carolina prisoners. The General advised him to send some of the 
regimental surgeons, inasmuch as his duty did not require him to go. 
Dr. Williamson replied that such of the regimental surgeons as he had 
seen refused to go — afraid of the consequences. " But," said he, " if I 
have lived until a flag will not protect me, I have outlived my country; 
and, in that case, have lived a day too long." He went and remained 
two months in the enemy's camp, rendering good service to the sick of 
both armies, where his skill was highly esteemed. At the close of the 
war. Dr. Williamson served as a representative of Edenton, in the 
House of Commons of North Carolina. 

He was next sent to Congress from " the old North State," where 
he continued for three years. Writing to President Dickinson, of 
Pennsylvania, from New York, while in Congress, January 14, 1785, 
about John Franklin and the other Connecticut intruders, at Wyoming, 
Dr. Williamson says in the conclusion of a letter: — "I have taken the 
liberty of giving you a full information, as I cannot cease to feel myself 
interested in the peace and reputation of a state which gave me birth." 
In the year 1786, he was one of the few delegates sent to Annapolis, to 
revise and amend the Articles of Confederation of the union ; and 
in 17S7, he was a delegate from North Carolina to the convention 
which framed the Constitution of the United States. Dr. Williamson 
was a zealous advocate of the new Constitution and was a member of 
the state convention which adopted it. He served in the first and 
second Congresses, and then declined a re-election. In January, 1 789, 



HUGH WILLIAMSON, M. D., F. R. S. ^-^ 

he married Miss Maria Apthorpe, of New York, where he came to 
reside, and had two sons, who both died young. He continued indus- 
triously to write on various philosophical subjects ; was an advocate of 
the great New York canal system ; an active promoter of philanthropic, 
literary, and scientific institutions; and in 1812, gave to the world his 
History of North Carolina. 

After a long life devoted to the best interests of humanity, Dr. Hugh 
Williamson died suddenly, at New York, on the 22d of May, 1819, in 
the 85th year of his age. Of him it may safely be predicated, that he 
was an ornament to his country, and one of the most eminent and 
useful men which it has yet produced. An interesting memoir of him 
was prepared and published by the distinguished Dr. Hosack, of New 
York, and has now a place in the transactions of the New York His- 
torical Society. 




GEN. JOHN ARMSTRONG, Jr. 

|1':NERAL JOHN ARMSTRONG, Jr., deserves rank as one of 
Pennsylvania's distinguished sons of the eariier period, although 
he experienced severe criticism as well as a large amount of 
popularity at different periods of his career. He commenced his public 
activity at an age when his passions may have unduly influenced his 
judgment, and may possibly have given a hasty direction to his whole 
life. But no one can question the purity of his motives or the high 
order of talent which he give to his work. 

He was several years younger than his brother James, having been 
born at Carlisle, November 25th, 1758. At an early age he was sent 
to Nassau Hall, and for a while enjoyed the instruction of Dr. Wither- 
spoon, who entered upon the presidency of that institution during his 
course. Under such an influence the warm patriotism which belonged 
to his family was sure to be cherished, and we are not surprised to find 
that even while a student in college, at the early age of eighteen, he was 
enlisted as a member of a Pennsylvania regiment. Shortly afterwards 
he became an Aid-de-camp to the same Gen. Hugh Mercer who had 
served under his father in the expedition against the Indians at 
Kittanning. Associated with him, in the retnments under this trallant 
officer, were many youths belonging to the best families of Philadelphia 
and vicinity. It was at the disastrous battle near Stoney Brook, N. 
J., that the melancholy duty devolved upon Major Armstrong of bear- 
ing from the field and ministering to his dying commander during a 
week of suffering. Near the same time he became acquainted with 
Gen. Gates, who showed so much interest in him that he received an 
invitation to become a member of that General's staff". With the rank 
of Major he continued on that staff until the close of the war, a warm 
friend and admirer of his illustrious commander. 

When the army was encamped at Newburgh, N. Y., in the winter of 
1782-3, and while negotiations for peace were in progress, much solici- 
tude was felt by the soldiers with respect to their arrearages of pay. Con- 
gress had passed resolutions not only for their payment, but for a half 
pay to officers who should serve to the conclusion of the war ; but there 
were no funds for such a payment, and the needful ratification of nine 
states had not been obtained and now seemed improbable. Under these 
circumstances the officers and men became impatient of the long delay 



GEN. JOHN ARMSTRONG, JR. 85 

and the uncertainty of future payment, and an anonymous address was 
circulated through the camp calHng a meeting to consider their 
grievances, which was followed on the next day by another, which set 
forth in forcible terms the complaints of the army. In this and in other 
papers the officers and soldiers were exhorted to decline the perform- 
ance of any military duty during the remainder of the war, and to lay 
down their arms on the return of peace, unless Congress would satisfy 
their reasonable demands. It required all the wisdom of the Com- 
mander-in-Chief to restrain the impetuous spirit of the troops under 
these eloquent and apparently just appeals, and it was not until pro- 
vision was made for the satisfaction of their claims that the danger 
passed away. These addresses were subsequently avowed by 
Armstrong to be his composition, at the request of many of his fellow 
officers, under the impression that the tardy movements of Congress 
needed some excitement. Washington at the time felt himself called 
upon to speak of these "Newburgh letters" in terms of great severity, 
but in after years he saw reason to change his opinion, and in a triendl)- 
letter to the writer's father he said, " I have since had sufficient reason 
for believing that the object of the author was just, honourable and 
friendly to the country, though the means suggested by him were 
certainly liable to much misconstruction and abuse." 

On the return of peace he appears to have retired for a while to 
private life, though his brilliant qualities would not allow him to femain 
obscure. Unlike his older brother and his father, he became a warm 
partisan of the Democratic party, which subsequently supported 
Jefferson. For a time he held the office of Secretary of State in 
Pennsylvania under Gov. Franklin, and served at least one term as a 
member of the old Congress. In 1789 he married a sister of Chan- 
cellor Livingston, and took up his residence at Redhook on a beautiful 
bank of the North river. New York. This brought him into the most 
cultivated and refined circles of New York society, and he devoted 
his time ostensibly to agriculture, but more really to social and literary 
pursuits. By an almost unanimous vote of both houses of the New 
York Legislature he was elected in 1800 to represent that state in the 
U. S. Senate, but in 1804, before the expiration of his term, he was 
sent by President Jefferson as Minister to France. During the six 
years in which he retained that office he gained high honour from his 
government for not only his skill under difficult circumstances, but for 
many services for which he never received or sought compensation. 
For most of this time, as there was no Minister of the United States to 
Spain, he was called upon to act also in that capacity. His mission 
6 



86 MEN OF MARK. 

abroad closed at his own request in 1810. At the commencement of 
hostilities with Great Britain in 181 2 he was commissioned a Brigadier 
General, and had command of the District of New York. In this 
position he came into conflict with many of his superiors, inasmuch as 
the whole policy pursued met with his decided disapproval. With 
great reluctance he consented in 181 3 to assume the duties of Secretary 
of War, under President Madison, for he did not conceal his contempt 
of the qualifications of the Generals in command and of the principles 
of the campaign. He soon found himself in collision with those 
military officers on whom he was dependent for the execution of his 
orders, and not unfrequently with the President himself The recol- 
lection of his " Newburgh letters " was revived against him, and the 
lailure of a number of his schemes, unsupported as they were by his 
associates, completed his mortification. The ill success of the expeditions 
against Canada, and the capture of Washington, gave his enemies 
apparent reasons for demanding his retirement. In his subsequent 
defence he pointed out the reasons for his failure, and he bitterly com- 
plained of the President for allowing him to be misrepresented. 

After his retirement from office he gave himself up to literary 
pursuits. He wrote and published two interesting treatises on farming 
and gardening, a severe review of General Wilkinson's memoirs, some 
biographical papers, and a History of the War with Great Britain. It is 
said also that he partially wrote a History of the American Revolutionary 
War, and we may well regret that a history, for the writing of which he 
was so well qualified, was not completed. With some obvious faults, 
for which allowance is easily made, it must be conceded that he was a 
genuine lover of his country, an incorruptible and able foreign Minister, 
a forcible and clear writer, and a virtuous and honourable citizen. He 
died April ist, 1843, ^t his country seat at Red Bank, New Jersey, in 
his eighty-fifth year. A daughter still survives him, the estimable wife 
of William B. Astor, of New York city. 



REV. GEORGE DUFFIELD, D. D. 

HIS eminent patriot and divine was the third son of George 
Duffield who had left the north of Ireland and had settled first 
in Octorara township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, at 
some time between 1725 and 1730. He is supposed to have 
descended from a Huguenot family which had taken refuge under the 
British crown in consequence of the revocation of the edict of Nantz. 
At the time, however, in which the subject of this sketch was born, 
(October 7, 1732,) the family resided at Pequea, in the same county, 
on lands which still remain in possession of some descendants. The 
father died there at the advanced age of eighty-four years, having been 
" noted for his stern integrity and devoted piety." 

The son, George, received his preparatory education at Newark, 
Delaware, and graduated at Nassau Hall in 1752. He then spent 
four years as a tutor in the academy and the college where he had 
been educated, but having become hopefully pious under the preach- 
ing of Dr. Robert Smith, of Pequea, he studied theology under the 
instruction of that divine, and was licensed to preach the gospel by the 
Presbytery of Newcastle, March 11, 1756. Three days before his 
licensure, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Blair, of 
Fogg's Manor, and in the autumn of that year, he was sent to supply 
some vacancies in the valley of the Shenandoah. During the next 
year he preached in some parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and 
his labours were attended with revivals of religion, especially in the 
neighbourhood of Princeton and Fogg's Manor. 

In consequence of those dissensions which had resulted in the great 
Presbyterian schism of 1741-58, a new congregation had been formed 
in Carlisle, but within the limits of the church of Upper Pennsborough. 
On the re-union, in 1759, Mr. Duffield had evidently been labouring 
for some time in this new congregation. When the call from Carlisle 
and Big Spring, (Newville,) was presented to him, early in 1759, he 
had become a resident of the form.er town, and had married for his 
second wife, Margaret, a sister (Webster says a daughter,) of John 
Armstrong, and an elder of the new church. A house of worship had 
been commenced, for we find that the Synod were grieved that year, at 
the divided state of the people in Carlisle and recommended that only 
one house of worship be erected in that town. He accepted of 



88 MEN OF MARK. 

the call, engaging to give one-third of his time to the church of Big 
Spring, but he was not actually ordained and installed until the third 
Wednesday of September, 1 759. He had entered warmly into the 
re-union and had himself chosen to be connected with the Presbytery 
of Donegal, though, as he declared at the time, " he hardly expected 
much comfort in it for awhile." Accordingly we find that for years an 
unhappy state of feeling existed between him and his neighbour, Rev. 
John Steel, and their respective congregations. More than once, 
causes of dispute were carried up to the higher judicatories of the 
church, who, "after mature and serious deliberations, unanimously 
agreed that the grounds on which these unhappy differences were 
built, were not sufficient to raise them to such a height as they have 
come to." 

In April, 1760, two Presbyterian meeting-houses are mentioned as 
in existence in Carlisle. That in which Mr. Duffield preached was 
located on the east side of Hanover street, nearly opposite the present 
Second Presbyterian church. In spite of the contentions in which he 
and his people were involved, his preaching was attended with great 
success. He entered with all his heart into the revival spirit of that 
time, and was very popular as a preacher. His discourses were not 
generally written out in lull, though from the specimens which remain, 
we should conclude that his manuscript was in the more difficult parts 
complete, while in others he trusted to the inspiration of the moment. 
They were highly evangelical in sentiment and urged upon impenitent 
men, especially, the claims of religion with unusual importunity and 
skill. Of a warm temperament and ardent in the assertion of his views, 
he often provoked controversy, but he was equally generous toward 
an opponent and ready to forgive. The whole population of the Cum- 
berland valley was then exposed to the merciless ravages of the 
Indians, and not unfrequently, when preaching at some retired station, 
his congregation were obliged to assemble with arms in their hands. 
His sympathies with the suffering, and his courage in meeting danger 
made him a popular favourite. Dr. John McDowall, at one time Pro- 
vost of the University of Pennsylvania, tells us that when he was but 
eight years of age he heard Mr. Duffield preach at Monaghan, (Dills- 
burgh,) from Zech. ix, 12, "Turn ye to the stronghold, ye prisoners 
of hope," when the preacher took occasion, from the entrenchments 
still remaining around the building, to illustrate the imagery of his text, 
and he ascribes his own conversion, under God, to impressions received 
under that discourse. The reputation he acquired brought him a 
number of calls to more important congregations. Twice he received 



I 



REV. GEORGE DUFFIELD, D. D. 89 

invitations to the Second Presbyterian church, of Philadelphia, and 
commissioners were sent who urged the claim before Presbytery with 
much zeal. But his own judgment, as well as that of his Presbytery, 
appears to have been averse to his relinquishment of his charge at 
Carlisle. More than once he undertook long missionary tours into 
destitute regions, under the direction of his Synod, and in response to 
"the supplications" of the people. In 1765, he was sent to North 
Carolina, and directed to " tarry half a year in vacant congregations 
there, as prudence might direct," and the next year he was sent with 
his intimate friend. Rev. Charles Beatty, to preach for, at least, two 
months on the frontiers of Pennsylvania and Ohio. In i 769, he gave 
up his Big Spring congregation, and was installed for one-third of his 
time at Monaghan, (Dillsburgh.) 

On May 21st, 1772, he received a call from the Third Presbyterian 
church, on Pine street, Philadelphia, which after five months' indecision 
and careful consideration, he deemed it his duty to accept. The 
Second Presbytery of Philadelphia, however, to which that church 
belonged, and which was composed of such as had sympathized with 
the Old Side during the schism, and having been unable to amalgamate 
with any of the Presbyteries and so had been joined together by 
themselves, were unwilling to receive him and refused to present the 
call to him. It was not until the .Synod had reversed their action and 
had permitted the congregation to prosecute their call without the 
action of Presbytery, that it reached his hands and was at once 
accepted. For some time, nevertheless, his way was obstructed, until, 
by the action of Synod, both minister and congregation were trans- 
ferred to the First Presbytery of Philadelphia, (May 26th, 1773.) An 
effort was made (November iith, 1773,) by his former congregation 
of Carlisle to obtain his restoration to them, but without success. 

During the political agitations which preceded the American 
Revolution, he took a prominent part on the popular side and became 
especially obnoxious to the official authorities. His large church 
edifice was on one occasion closed against him on the authority of the 
incorporated committee of the First church, who claimed a joint 
jurisdiction over it, but under the influence of a concealed political 
hostility. The house was opened by the officers of his congregation, 
and when his way was blocked up by the crowd which had assembled 
to hear him, he was introduced to his pulpit through a window. He 
had scarcely commenced the usual services, when a royal magistrate, 
(J. Bryant, ) under the pretence of quelling a riot, commenced reading 
the Riot Act, and commanded the people to disperse. When other 



90 MEN OF MARK. 

means of silencing' this intruder had failed, one of the officers of the 
congregation seized him, bore him through the midst of the assembly 
out of the house, and ordered him to begone and to cease disturbing the 
worship of God ; Mr. Duffield then went on with his preaching, but on 
the next day, he was required to give bail before the Mayor's Court 
for his appearance on the charge of aiding and abetting a riot. He 
refused not only to give such bail but to permit any one, even the 
Mayor himself, to give it in his behalf He protested that he stood on 
the ground of principle, and that he was resolved to maintain the right 
of a minister of Christ and a worshiping assembly to be undisturbed 
while they were violating no law. He was allowed to withdraw and 
take the matter under consideration, but under the assurance that he 
would be soon called upon for his answer. The excitement of the 
people became intense as the news of this threat of imprisonment, 
spread, and the " Paxton Boys " who had formerly known him 
assembled and resolved to hold themselves in readiness to march a 
hundred miles for his rescue. 

When the Colonial Congress held its sessions in Philadelphia, Dr. 
Duffield was for some time its chaplain, and when the British held 
possession of Philadelphia, and his church was occupied by them as a 
stable, he accompanied the American Army and shared in its distresses. 
He mingled with the soldiery, and by his ardent and patriotic 
addresses, did much to sustain their fainting spirits. During the dark 
period when Washington was in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and on 
Long Island, he was with the troops, and more than once came nigh 
being captured. He had been honoured from the commencement of the 
war by having a price put upon his head, and by being numbered with 
some leaders who were excluded from the offer of amnesty. As soon 
as circumstances permitted he returned to his congregation and 
continued the pastor of the Third church until the day of his death. 
He returned more than once to his former home in Carlisle, for which 
he always retained the warmest affection, and his name is mentioned 
several times as a corresponding member at the meetings of the 
Presbyter)' of Carlisle. He took a prominent part in the new organi- 
zation of the General Assembly, and in the formation of the new 
Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States in 1 788. 
He was the Stated Clerk of the Assembly from the time of its organiza- 
tion until his death, which took place February 2d, 1790, when he was 
in his fifty-eighth year. Although a man of slight frame and of small 
stature, he possessed a firm constitution and was capable of much 
endurance. He continued his ministrations until about a week before 



REV. GEORGE DUEEIELD, D. D. gi 

his death, when a severe pleurisy contracted at a funeral prostrated 
him. He was remarkable for the strictness and fervour of his 
devotional habits and for his valuation of the Sabbath. His confidence 
in the efficacy of prayer was such that he appeared to have no anxiety, 
though in the troubles of the time he more than once knew not where 
his day's bread was to come from. As he betook himself to prayer he 
would exclaim, "The Lord will provide," and his expectations were 
uniformly fulfilled. He was interred in the middle aisle of the church 
of which he was pastor, and his funeral sermon was preached by Rev. 
Dr. Ashbel Green, from Rev. xiv, 13. 

Some manuscript sermons are to be found among his descendants 
and others, but we are not aware of anything published from his hand, 
except an "Account of his Western Tour," and a "Thanksgiving 
Sermon" on the restoration of peace. He received the honourary 
degree of a Doctor in Divinity from Yale college, in 1785. As the 
fruit of his second marriage, he left two sons, (two others having 
died in infancy,) the youngest of whom (George,) was Register and 
Comptroller General of the State of Pennsylvania under Governor 
Thomas McKean, and the father of Rev. George Duffield, D. D., for 
seventeen years the pastor of the First Presbyterian church of 
Carlisle. 




MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 

AJOR EBENP:ZER DENNY, first Mayor of Pittsburgh, was 
born in Carlisle, Cumberland county, Pa., March nth, 1761, 
and was the eldest child of William and Agnes (Parker) 
Denny. 

His father and uncle, Walter Denny, removed from Chester county 
to Cumberland county in 1745, the latter setding near Carlisle, where 
he was the possessor of a large tract of land ; subsequently he raised a 
company of volunteers for the Revolutionary conflict, and was killed at 
Crooked Billet. At this place also his son was taken prisoner. Another 
son. Rev. David Denny, was for many years pastor of the Presbyterian 
church at Chambersburg. William Denny resided in Carlisle, and 
was the first Coroner west of the Susquehanna, also a Commissary 
in the Revolutionary Army. His mother, a woman of unusual 
intelligence and energy, was the daughter of John Parker, and the 
grand-daughter of Richard Parker, who, as early as 1 730, owned lands 
on the Conodoguinett, near Carlisle, which have remained in the 
possession of the family for three generations. Nearly all the male 
Parkers were participants in the struggle against the mother country, 
and throughout its progress were noted for their loyalty and heroism. 
At the age of thirteen, Ebenezer was employed as a bearer of 
despatches to the commandant at Fort Pitt, and, though a mere lad, 
safely accomplished his journey over the Alleghenies, through a 
wilderness teeming with savage foes. He was afterwards employed in 
his father's store in Carlisle until he moved to Philadelphia, where he 
shipped as a volunteer in a vessel bearing a letter of marque and 
reprisal and bound for the West Indies. While acting in this capacity, 
for fidelity and valour, he was promoted to the command of the quarter- 
deck. Being tendered the position of supercargo for a second voyage, 
he decided to accept the offer, but, after crossing the Susquehanna en 
route to Philadelphia, received and accepted a commission of Ensign 
in the First Pennsylvania regiment. He participated in the action 
near Williamsburg, Virginia, where his captain and lieutenant having 
been disabled at the first fire, the command devolved upon him. On 
the night of October 14th, he was in the advance at the siege of York, 
and won such merited distinction that he was selected to plant the 
first American flag on the British parapet. He afterwards served 
in the Carolinas, under General St. Clair, and at Charleston during its 



MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 93 

investment, and also after its evacuation. Later he became Adjutant 
to Harmer, and Aide-de-Camp to St. Clair, and was repeatedly 
selected as the bearer of important despatches where courage, 
shrewdness and daring were required. 

After his resignation, Major Denny resided in Bedford county, which 
he represented in the Convention of 1777, which formed the first Con- 
stitution of Pennsylvania. In 1 794, he was commissioned Captain, and 
commanded the expedition to Le Bceuf. In 1795-96, he resided at his 
farm and mill near Pittsburgh, and was there nominated for the State 
Legislature and defeated, but in the following year, and by an almost 
unanimous vote, was elected Commissioner of the county. In 1803, he 
w^s Treasurer of Allegheny county, his name appearing first on the 
list of County Treasurers, and again in 1808 filled that position. In 
1804, he was appointed a Director of the Branch of the Bank of Penn- 
sylvania, established in that year at Pittsburgh, and which was the first 
institution of that nature west of the mountains. When this was merged 

o 

into the office of the Bank of the United States he retained his 
Directorship, and was one of the few solvent men during the panic of 
1819. For several successive years he obtained from the War 
Department the contract for the supply of rations for the troops at 
Fort Fayette and Presque Isle, and filled them satisfactorily while 
prosecuting also his mercantile and commission business in Philadel- 
phia, on Market street. During the war of 181 2, he successfully met 
the extraordinary demands upon him, and was appointed to furnish 
supplies to the North Western Army in addition to his own posts in 
Pennsylvania. At the close of the war he received a complimentary 
letter from General Harrison, in which he was cordially thanked for 
his valuable promptness, energy and ability. 

When Pittsburgh was incorporated by act of Legislature, March 
1 8th, 1 81 6, Major Denny was elected the first Mayor, and, at the 
expiration of his first term, declined a re-election. He was Director in 
the Branch of the Bank of the United States, and afterwards of the 
Bank of Pittsburgh, in which he was a large stockholder. While 
visiting Niagara Falls in the summer of 1822, he was attacked by a 
sudden illness, and with difficulty reached his home, where he died 
July 2ist, in the sixty-first year of his age. He was married July ist, 
1 793, to Nancy Willia'ms, daughter of John "^444^*135, Sr., formerly oil^t'/?^ 
Carlisle, who participated as a Captain in the battle of the Brandy wine, "fc 
sister of Quartermaster-General John WTftraffts, Jr., Charles William s, ^ 

of Lexington, Kentucky, and Hon. WilliamiJWilUanjs, late of Home- ^ 

wood; she died May ist, 1806, leaving three sons, Harmer, William 
and St. Clair, and also two daughters. 



DAVID WATTS. 

ii"jr^'A\'II) WATTS, lawyer, was born in Cumberland county, Penn- 
P^SMi sylvania, October 29th, 1764. 

His parents were Frederick Watts, a native of Wales, and 
Jane Murray, a niece of the celebrated David Murray, Marquis of 
Tullibardine, a partisan of the Pretender, Charles Edward, who, after 
the successful battle of Culloden, fled into France. About 1760, they 
emigrated to Pennsylvania, then a province of Great Britain. After a 
short residence in Chester county, they moved westward, and built a 
cabin on the western shore of the Juniata, near its confluence with the 
Susquehanna, a locality, in that day, on the extreme verge of civiliza- 
tion. It was about twenty miles from Carlisle, where Great Britain 
had, at that early period, erected a large brick barrack for the comfort 
of the soldiers employed in repelling the attacks of the aboriginal 
Indians. 

Frederick Watts must have enjoyed the advantages of education in 
the mother country, for he soon became prominent among the dis- 
affected of the colonists, and was an active partisan of the Revolution. 
He was appointed, and accepted the commission of General of a body 
of troops from Pennsylvania and Virginia, called " Minute Men," and 
served in that capacity during the war. When peace was declared, he 
became a member of the Plxecutive Council of Pennsylvania — a pro- 
visional government formed prior to the adoption and establishment 
of the Constitution of the .State. Under these unfavourable circum- 
stances, the education of their only son, David, was a subject of much 
interest and difficulty. The duty chiefly devolved upon the mother, 
whose strong traits of Scotch character seemed to be deeply impressed 
upon the immature mind of her son, and showed their bearing upon his 
conduct in after life. Dickinson college, in Carlisle, was founded in 
1783, and there he received as finished a classical and general educa- 
tion as the state could, at that time, furnish. He graduated in the 
first class which left its halls, and bore away with him a taste for, and 
appreciadon of the literature of Greece and Rome, that he retained 
throughout his subsequent life. 

. Attracted to the legal profession, Mr. Watts went to Philadelphia, 
where he entered as a student the office of that eminent jurist, William 
Lewis, and was admitted to the bar after the usual course of reading. 



DAVID IVATTS. g^ 

He then returned to his native county, and commenced the practice 
of his profession in CarHsle, where he soon obtained a large patronage, 
and took a prominent part in the political as well as in the legal ques- 
tions which, at that period, occupied public attention. One of the 
most celebrated of these was what led to the so-called " Whiskey 
Insurrection," of i 794. That spirit was distilled in large quantities by 
the farmers of western Pennsylvania, and constituted their principal 
source of revenue. Therefore, when the United States passed acts 
levying an excise duty on the liquor, the measure was so distasteful to 
this generally peaceful class of the community, that they rose in open 
resistance to the law. So serious was the trouble that General Washing- 
ton went to Carlisle, and reviewed there four thousand men under arms, 
preparatory to enforcing submission to the authority of the General 
Government. One of these was David Watts, who had joined a com- 
pany of local infantry. He was fully alive to the threatened danger to 
the commonwealth, and so resolute in his opposition to the " Whiskey 
Boys," that when they had planted a " liberty pole " near Carlisle, and 
threatened to shoot any one who would disturb it, he shouldered the 
axe, and alone and unarmed rode to the spot where it stood, and felled 
it to the ground. 

Mr. Watts was distinguished for courage and energy, and these 
characteristics, united to a thorough education, soon placed him at the 
head of the bar in Cumberland county, the acknowledged equal of 
Thomas Duncan, who had been for years the recognised leader on 
that circuit. They were both men of extensive and varied acquire- 
ments in professional and general literature, and both were distin- 
guished for learning, polished manners and integrity. It is to be 
regretted that he should have passed away in the maturity of his 
intellectual powers, and left so few traces of his great ability beyond 
the printed volume of his arguments in the .State Reports of Pennsyl- 
vania. In this early day, the lawyers were obliged to attend the cir- 
cuit, extending over several counties, often exposed to inclement 
weather, traveling on horseback, and provided with poor accommoda- 
tions. Thes^ exposures led to his early death, which occurred on 
September 25th, 1819. 

He married, in September, 1796, Julia Anna Miller, daughter of 
General Henry Miller, an eminent soldier of the Revolution. They 
had twelve children, of whom the majority still survive. They were 
brought up in the doctrines of the Episcopal Church, of which their 
parents had been life long members. 




COL. RICHARD M. CRAIN. 

OL. RICHARD M. CRAIN, son of Joseph and Mary Crain, 
was born November, 1777, in West Hanover township, then 
Lancaster, now Dauphin county, and married Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of the Hon. Robert Whitehill, of East Pennsborough township, 
Cumberland county. His father, Joseph Crain, was a gentleman of high 
standing in the community, and an active and exemplary member of 
the Presbyterian church of Hanover. 

Col. Crain, though more thoroughly acquainted with the business of 
the Land Office than any other man in Pennsylvania, consented to 
accept of, and served for the greater part of half a century in the subor- 
dinate position of Deputy .Secretary, as it was considered good policy 
by the successive administrations during that time to confer the 
appointment of Secretary of the Land Office on a citizen of one of the 
western counties. He was also, during that period, elected by the 
Legislature Treasurer of Pennsylvania, and, as colleague of Major 
David Nevin, chosen to represent Cumberland county in the Conven- 
tion which assembled May 2d, 1837, in the hall of the House of 
Representatives in Harrisburg, to propose amendments to the Consti- 
tution- of the state, to be submitted to the people thereof for their 
ratification or rejection. 

Of the esteem in which Col. Crain was held by his associates the 
following publication of their proceedings, on receiving information of 
his death, furnishes very gratifying evidence: 

A meeting of the Governor, heads of departments and clerks, was held at the office 
of the Surveyor General of Pennsylvania at 5 o'clock on Friday, the 17th day of Sep- 
tember, 1852, the object of which was stated by General J Porter Brawley, on whose 
motion Gov. Wm. Bigler was called to the chair, and, on motion of Major Thomas J. 
Rehrer, E. S. Goodrich was appointed secretary. 

The following preamble and resolutions were then offered by L. G. Dimmock, Esq., 
which were read and, after a brief but eloquent address by Gen. E. Banks, were unani- 
mously adopted : 

Whereas, God, in his inscrutable wisdom, has removed from our midst Col. Richard 
M. Crain, late of the Surveyor General's office ; therefore be it 

Resolved, That we deeply deplore the death of our esteemed associate and friend. Col. 
Richard M. Crain, who, during a long life of public service, sustained a character of 
unspotted integrity, and by his uprightness and affability, won the respect and confidence 
of all who knew him. 



COL. RICHARD M. CRAIN. gj 

« 

Resolved, That we tender the family of the deceased our sincere and heartfelt 
sympathy in their afflictive bereavement. 

Resolved, That out of respect for the deceased the Land Department shall be closed 
on the day of the funeral. 

Resolved, That as a mark of regard for our departed friend we will attend his 
funeral in a body. 

Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the papers of this 
borough, and the officers of this meeting and the Surveyor General be appointed a com- 
mittee to present a copy thereof to the family of the deceased. 

WILLIAM BIGLER, 
E. S. Goodrich, Secretary. Chairman. 



REV. ROBERT CATHCART, D. D. 




|HE REV. ROBERT CATHCART, D. D., was born in 1759, 
near Colerain, in Londonderry, Ireland. He studied at the 
University of Glasgow, and was licensed by the Presbytery of 
Ronte, in Ireland. He came to the United States in 1790, when he 
joined the Presbytery of Philadelphia, the year after the formation of 
the General Assembly. In October, i 793, he was installed pastor of 
the congregations of York and Hopewell by the Presbytery of Carlisle. 
Of the latter he was pastor forty-two, and of the former, forty-four 
years, these being his only pastoral charges. During these forty-two 
years, though Hopewell was fifteen miles from York, he never failed, 
when at home, to preach, but on one Sabbath. For forty years he never 
missed attending Synod but once, and then he was ill. For nearly 
thirty years he was elected a Commissioner to the General Assembly 
every year, and for nearly twenty years he was Clerk of the Assembly. 
The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on him by Queen's 
(now Rutgers) college. New Brunswick, New Jersey. 

For thirty years Dr. Cathcart was a Trustee of Dickinson college, 
and during all that time attended all their commencements. While a 
Trustee there, he obtained the degree of Doctor of Divinity for Dr. 
Scott, the commentator. The Rev. D. H. Emerson, D. D., one of Dr. 
Cathcart's successors at York, in a published letter says : " I knew Dr. 
Cathcart as intimately as any man can know a father. I visited him 
every week during nearly five years, unless prevented by sickness, 
and, with the best opportunities for becoming acquainted with his 
character, my deliberate judgment is, that he was among the finest 
and best of our American clergymen. '=' * * He was in the habit 
of reading, daily, at least two chapters in the Bible, in connection with 
Scott's Commentary. His reading, particularly for the last twelve 
years of his life, was immense. Having a strong constitution, unim- 
paired eye-sight, an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and a wonderfully 
retentive memory, he would read everything valuable within his reach, 
and would delight his friends with the stores of information which he 
would pour forth during a social interview. This habit of reading and 
of constandy exercising his mental powers, continued to the last 
moment of life." 

All Dr. Cathcart's successors at York were greatly attached to him. 



REV. ROBERT CATHCART, D. D. 99 

He was an i7iieirsting man. His manner, dry at first, opened more 
and more as one knew him better, and the attachment of his younger 
brethren gradually grew into respectful affection. One of his suc- 
cessors thus wrote of him, in a contemporary newspaper, at the time of 
his death : 

" The most prominent trait of Dr. Cathcart's character, as impressed 
upon me, was his goitlcnianlincss. Perhaps it is because this high 
quality is less common now than it used to be. A more perfect gentle- 
man at heart I never knew. His was not the polished exterior 
assumed for a purpose on an occasion, to veil selfishness, and then laid 
aside like a garment folded away to be used for a similar purpose. 
His character was genuine. Delicacy in regard to improper inter- 
ference with the station or duties of another, was one of his most 
prominent features. His long connection (torty-four years,) with the 
York church, as their pastor, would have enabled him, as it has others 
similarly situated, to give his successor much trouble. If he ever had 
the slightest disposition to do so, he never manifested it, but gave the 
strength of his influence, in public and private, to sustaining him. 
The same trait was seen in all his intercourse. Where he had rights 
he maintained them ; where he had not he was a law unto himself, in 
refraining from intermeddling. He was a ' gentleman of the old 
school,' nicely discriminating occasions, a principle of fine feeling 
running like a thread through his whole conduct. 

" Dr. Cathcart was emphatically an honest man. His care and 
punctuality in pecuniary matters are well known. But this, which 
sometimes proceeds from mere regard to public opinion, was in him 
genuine honesty of heart. He was above suspicion. No man, even 
in his most secret thoughts, I suppose, ever took Dr. Cathcart for a dis- 
ingenuous man. His sturdy and Puritan honesty made him almost 
uncharitable towards hypocrisy. He could not away with it. That a man 
should be eenuine, that words and heart should aofree, though he did 
not say as much about it as Carlyle, was to him the prime thing in a 
man. Indeed, it made him unsuspicious. Not feeling any movement 
of insincerity in himself he was not apt to imagine it in others. And 
this was one of the sources of that tranquility of character for which 
he was remarkable. The ' mens conscia recti,' the straightforward- 
ness of his temper, made him an excellent exemplification of that noble 
passage of -Scripture : ' He that walketh uprightly, walketh surely.' If 
the bones of the prophet revived the dead by their touch, then could 
we wish the memory of the subject of this sketch to re-kindle in an 
age which mistakes hypocrisy for wisdom, and deceit for prudence, the 



I oo MEN OF MARK. 

pure, stern honesty which once characterized the Puritan of England 
and of Scotland. No one doubted the honesty of the Ironsides and 
the Covenanters. It will be a sad day for the Church if a Presby- 
terian's word ceases to be ' as good as his bond.' 

" Dr. Cathcart's devotion to the best interests of the whole race of man 
well entitles him to the name ot philanthropist. No aspect of benevo- 
lent effort was uninteresting to him ; no man knew so well what was 
passing throughout the world; no man's memory was so accurate a 
chronicle of the times. A thousand times has he sat down beside 
some friend, often some bright eyed youth or maiden — for he was one 
of those whose feelings never grew old — and given a complete review 
of everything contained in the newspapers of the week. But nothing 
interested him so much as the advance of religion in the world. He 
was devoted to the missionary cause, and contributed to the extent of, 
yea, and beyond his ability, as some thought, to the American Board. 
He watched its proceedings with intense interest, read every word of 
every Missionary Herald, and delighted to tell us how the missionary 
cause was progressing in every country where the messengers of the 
cross have gone. It is observable of some old men — and the same is 
true ot ministers in more than one melancholy case — that they grow 
selfish as they grow old ; animal appetites, as in original childhood, gain 
sensibly over intellectual and moral qualities, and they narrow down to 
a very minute sphere. Nothing of this kind was visible in Dr. Cath- 
cart. Beautiful as is the York valley — a perfect gem of rich cultivated 
scenery — entirely as he felt at home there, long as he had resided by 
its clear river, its hills never bounded his sympathies. The feeling of 
Terence, expressing kindred with all mankind, or the still grander 
feeling, ' the field is the world,' was the key-note to his constant habit 
of mind. He was devoted with singular attachment to the temperance 
cause, he watched with much anxiety the statistics of crime, he was 
deeply interested in all the aspects of politics, as connected, especially, 
with the onward progress of the human race, and while, to a considera- 
ble extent, a ' laudator tcmporis acti' he had yet ever a warm sym- 
pathizing feeling for anything that makes man wiser, better, holier, 
more active, industrious, or even comfortable. 

" Dr. Cathcart was liberal, in the truest sense. Never was there a 
more thorough Presbyterian. Religion, in his mind, ever pursued its 
tranquil way along by Westmnister and Geneva, and he could hardly 
conceive of a connected or logical theology which was not Calvinistic. 
All other systems appeared to him defective, not indeed fundamentally 
erroneous, but defective in clearness, method and power. And as in 



REV. ROBERT CATHCART, D. D. lOl 

doctrine, so in government, the republicanism of Presbyterlanism struck 
him as beautiful and well ordered. Jerusalem to him, according to our 
forms, was builded as a city which is compact together. Our admira- 
ble Confession of Faith, our Catechisms, with their clear, racy and dis- 
criminating English of an age which had not yet felt foreign admixtures 
or domestic feebleness, was to him next to the Holy Word itself. But 
all this did not prevent a spirit of enlarged charity for others. Indeed, 
this liberality was a part of his Presbyterlanism, as well as of his Chris- 
tianity. He could not conceive of a religion without it. In the arms 
of charity, he embraced all who loved our Lord Jesus Christ in sin- 
cerity, and felt that under various forms and different rituals, and vary- 
ing shades of doctrinal belief as to non-essentials, the same spirit of 
piety might and often did dwell. 

" The character of Dr. Cathcart's piety was modified by the nature of 
the man. If his temperament were ever glowing, he restrained it. It 
appeared more in intellection and in action, than in feeling. It was 
observed, however, by those who knew him best and longest, that the 
further he went down into the vale of life, the clearer was his vision of 
celestial realities, — the nearer he drew to the gates of the city of God, 
the more he caught of the glories of the upper sanctuary upon his 
spirit. Does not this seem exceedingly beautiful, when every year 
mellows an old man's heart, and the softening radiance of God's angels 
is reflected upon his countenance, ere they bear him away torever ? 
And true it is, that Dr. Cathcart's ' last days were his best days,' the 
whole Christianity of York being witness. And never was he so 
beloved, as just before ' he was not, for God took him.' 

"We might dwell on other and more minute features of our departed 
friend, but it cannot be necessary. One was the conscience he made 
of punctuality, another was his untiring industry. He was fond of 
exertion, both physical and mental, and to this was, no doubt, owing — 
allowance being made for an uncommonly robust muscular frame — his 
long life, his long preserved vigour, and as an especial favour of Provi- 
dence, the clearness of his eye-sight. He read constantly, literally from 
morning to night, and an uncommonly retentive memory enabled him 
to preserve almost anything that he read. But he was social also, 
retaining something European in his habits, in this respect. As long 
as he could walk, he would visit his old friends, and he loved to re- 
kindle old recollections with them. Having known nearly all the cele- 
brated men who were contemporary with him in America, he was very 
interesting in bringing out their characteristic traits, by anecdotes, told 
with marked vivacity, of circumstances occurring in his own intercourse 



1 02 MEN OF MARK. 

with them. In short, he was a source of unfaihng interest, and his with- 
drawal causes a vacancy which none but himself could fill as he did. 
He was original, every thing he did was his own, and no man who 
possesses this excellent trait can fail to be interesting. 

Of the last moments of Dr. Cathcart it is not my privilege to speak, 
nor are they material. His life spoke for him. If to have every 
thought softened by a Christian atmosphere, to have every purpose 
connected with the advancement of Christianity and the best interests 
of men, to be much in prayer, and devoted to every gathering together 
of God's people, — if these be indications of a heart right with God, 
then our venerable father is walking in white above, with those who 
are worthy." 




Dr. JAMES ARMSTRONG. 

AMES was the oldest of the two sons of Gen. John Armstrong, 
and according to a family record in the possession of his son, 
of Washington city, he was born in 1749. This must have 
been very soon after the emigration of the family from the north of 
Ireland. He was educated at Nassau Hall, afterwards Princeton 
College, where he graduated about four years before the Revolutionary 
War with honours as an accurate scholar. After leaving college he is 
said to have been appre7iticed, according to the custom of the time, for 
five years, for the study of medicine with Dr. Morgan, at that time one 
of the most eminent physicians of Philadelphia. He commenced the 
practice of his profession with high testimonials of his ability and 
acquirements, from his late instructor, in the vicinity of Winchester, Va., 
but we infer from a correspondence between his father and Col. George 
Washington, in reference to a new location, that his prospects there 
were not encouraging. Being threatened with consumption, he made a 
voyage to London, where he became an admirer ot the peculiar 
principles of Dr. Sydenham, which have since been so generally 
received, regarding the recuperative powers of nature. In his subse- 
quent practice he favoured only such prescriptions as would assist the 
natural powers of the body in their own appropriate work. He, 
however, was induced from his admiration of Dr. Rush, with whom he 
afterwards became intimate, to make a free use of the lancet. 

On his return, and when he was forty_years_of^age, he married Mary 
Stevenson, a daughter of one of the oldest settlers in the valley, a man 
of wealth and eminent position in Carlisle. She was a woman of 
remarkable piety, could repeat both the Longer and Shorter Catechisms 
of her church, with their proofs, and insisted on her children being 
instructed in a similar manner. They had nine children, three of whom 
died in early life, and two still survive. Soon after their marriage they 
removed to the Kishacoquillas valley, then almost a wilderness, and 
there became possessors of a large tract of land on which they lived 
for nearly twelve years. In 1801 he sold his property there and pur- 
chased another called Richland Lawn, about six miles west of Carlisle. 
On this he resided for eight years, when (1809) he was induced by 
greater advantages for the education of his children, to return to Carlisle. 
There in the family mansion in which he had been born, and had spent 



I04 MEN OF MARK. 

his childhood, he lived in refinement, congenial society and the practice 
of his profession. He never sought political distinction, but while he 
resided in the Kishacoquillas valley he was requested by his fellow 
citizens to represent them in Congress. But as he was a Federalist of 
the Washington school in politics, as he disliked Jefferson, and was not 
in favour of the war with Great Britain in i8i 2, he had no great interest 
in promoting the public policy of the day, and after one term he 
retired again to private life. 

Dr. Armstrong was well read in his profession, and familiar with 
general literature. A warm patron of education, he was, for thirty 
years, or thereabouts, the President of the Board of Trustees of 
Dickinson college, of which he had been one of the most active 
founders. He had no talent for the acquisition or the preservation of 
wealth. He had inherited from his own and from his wife's father a 
princely fortune, but he is said to have despised all ordinary methods 
of economy or of making money, and to have died insolvent. His 
home was a centre of lavish hospitality and of a generous patronage of 
all public enterprises. His talents and acquisitions might have secured 
him a high position in his profession, but a retirement from its active 
duties and a disinclination to those arts which are needful to popularity 
in it, prevented his attainment of a more than moderate success. His 
manner was studiously polite and dignified; his person tall and well pro- 
portioned; his dress was of the best materials, and fitted by the most 
artistic workmen ; his wig with its somewhat antiquated queue was of 
the most scrupulous finish; and his conversation, though fluent, was 
carefully worded and high toned. To his friends and equals he was 
genial and agreeable, but common people could not approach him with 
familiarity. His keen gray eye, his large aquiline nose, his six feet 
stature, and a rather severe manner, made his presence uncongenial to 
such as were not of his own circle. And yet his strict integrity, his 
high sense of honour, his quick sympathy with the injured and 
distressed, his uniform interest in the public welfare, and his strict 
morality and religious principle made him valuable in every society. 

Not a single vice has ever been attributed to Dr. Armstrong. The 
profaneness, and excess in drinking and in gambling, which were so 
common in his day, he detested and reproved with severity. He 
is said to have been passionately fond of horses and to have been 
himself an elegant horseman ; " he always rode with whip and spur, 
and vaulted into his saddle witii dignity and grace. He would as soon 
have thought of stumbling into a ball room as of mounting a horse 
awkwardly." He retained to the last most of his faculties of mind and 



DR. JylMES AKMSTRONG. 105 

body, free from infirmities usually incident to old age, his vision was 
distinct, his voice clear, his form unbent, his limbs were active, and only 
his hearing was impaired until his death. Until within a few years of 
his death he made an annual journey on horseback from Carlisle to 
Kittanning, a distance of two hundred miles. According to an 
inscription on his tombstone in the Old Cemetery of Carlisle, he " died 
in April, 1828, aged eighty-two." There is a slight discrepancy 
apparent between this inscription and the reported time of his birth in 
the family record. Having been brought up in the strictest principles 
and forms of the Presbyterian Church, he lived and died in its 
communion. 

One who knew him well, both by personal acquaintance and reputa- 
tion, writes of him: "A higher toned man than Dr. James Armstrong 
the state of Pennsylvania never produced. He was one who had an 
utter scorn for everything and everybody that was low or mean. He 
could not stoop to secure any favour. He would sacrifice everything 
to his self-respect. He would and did without a murmur dispense with 
not only the comforts but some of the very necessities of life rather 
than even appear to cringe. And yet he never boasted of his wealth, 
or family, or position in society. Wealth he held in light esteem, office 
had no allurements for him, and so reserved was he in speaking of his 
family that his surviving children were left in almost entire ignorance 
of its history." 




HON. WILLIAM WILKINS. 

HE H(3N. WILLIAM WILKINS, lawyer and judge, was born 
in Carlisle, Cumberland county, Pa., in 1779, his father, John 
Wilkins, having been a resident of that place. He was 
educated at Dickinson college, and studied law under the direction of 
Judge Watts, with whom he continued until his admission to the bar in 
Carlisle. 

Setding in Pittsburgh in 1800-6, Mr. Wilkins practised successfully 
as an attorney, and was appointed judge by Governor Findlay. He 
was a General of the militia, also an influential member of the Legis- 
lature. He was elected to Congress upon two occasions, and for several 
years ably discharged the duties of United States Senator. During 
the administration of General Jackson, he was appointed by him 
Minister to Russia, and under the presidency of Tyler, became 
Secretary of War. Subsequently, although firmly attached to the 
Democratic party, he strenuously supported the Government during 
the war. While in his eightieth year, when the Home Guards 
were organized, he was mounted throughout the day, and took his 
position on parade. 

During a period extending to more than sixty years. Judge Wilkins 
was the most prominent man in western Pennsylvania, was well known 
throughout the country, and was eminently influential as a popular 
chief and leader. As a lawyer he won high and widespread distinction, 
and participated importantly in public affairs, taking especial interest in 
the cause of education. He was twice married — to Catharine Holmes, 
of Baltimore, Md., and to Matilda Dallas, daughter of Alexander 
lames Dallas, formerly Secretary of the Treasury. He died in June, 
1865, in his eighty-sixth year, leaving as survivors four daughters. 




WILLIAM CRAWFORD, M. D. 

NE of the most prominent citizens of Adams county, for the 
forty years between 1783 and 1823, was Dr. WilHam Crawford. 
He was born in Paisley, Scotland, in 1760, and in 1781, on 
receiving his diploma from the University of Edinburgh, came to this 
country. He landed in Philadelphia, where he met acquaintances who 
induced him to settle near Gettysburg. For a time he lived in the 
town, which had not then become the county seat of Adams, but was 
one of the villages of York county. In 1 794 he bought the farm on 
Marsh creek, on which he thereafter lived until death. In 1 795 he 
returned to Scotland on a visit, and in 1796, on his return, was married 
to Miss Ann Dodd, who had come, with an uncle and other friends, 
from Scotland in the same vessel with him on his return voyage. 

Dr. Crawford was an active practitioner for a long period, and his 
practice extended into the neighbouring counties of'Cumberland and 
Franklin, and of Frederick and Washington, Maryland. His reputa- 
tion was very high and especially in surgery. He became early 
interested in public affairs, was for several years one of the Associate 
Judges of the county, and was, for the eight years of Mr. Madison's 
presidential term, a Representative in Congress for the district of 
which Adams formed a part. On the expiration of his term of service 
he resumed the practice of his profession, in which he was actively 
engaged when overtaken by disease. His death occurred in 1823, in 
the sixty-fourth year of his age. 




REV. CHARLES NISBET, D. D. 

|0( )N after the close of the War for Independence the General 
Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania chartered 
a college to be erected and established in the borough of 
Carlisle, to be forever called and known by the name of Dickinson 
college. The act recites that the honour of this name was conferred 
on Governor John Dickinson, in memory of his great and important 
services to his country, and in commemoration of his very liberal 
donation to the institution. In 1783 the country had been exhausted 
by a long and destructive war ; there were few wealthy men, and the 
property of these few was small in comparison with that of the class 
called " rich men " in 1S75. The donation of ten thousand dollars at 
that time was very liberal — as liberal, in public estimation, as the 
donation of ten times that sum in our day of large figures. 

The original charter of the college contained some wise provisions, 
and a few otherwise. The Principal — as the President is called in the 
charter — was declared incapable of holding the office of trustee. This 
cut off from the Board the man who, of all others, best knew the 
interests and necessities of the college. Another clause was construed 
to give the students the right of appeal to the Board against the deci- 
sions of the Faculty in cases of discipline. This was the seed of bitter 
fruit, as the early history of the institution attests. 

In 1784, Charles Nisbet, D. D., an eminent clergyman of the Presby- 
terian Church of Scotland, was elected President of the college. He 
was a man of vast and varied learning, tenacious memory, subtle and 
ready wit, remarkable conversational power and exemplary piety. 
He had been an outspoken friend of the American Colonies in their 
struggle for independence, and this fact, added to his great reputation 
as a scholar, made his appointment exceedingly popular in this country. 
The most flattering representations and promises were held out to him 
by leading members of the Board of Trustees to induce him to accept 
the presidency to which he had been unanimously elected. These were 
doubtless made in good faith, but without adequate knowledge of the 
endowment which was needed to support a first class institution of 
learning. Dr. Nisbet hesitated long to leave his native country, the 
cultivated society of which he was an ornament, the church and con- 
gregation of which he was the beloved pastor, and at the age of fifty 



REV. CHARLES NISJUiT, D. D. 109 

years to engage in untried duties, on a new arena, among people 
whose habits and modes of thought were different from his own. 

He finally yielded to the urgent solicitations of the trustees, and 
arrived in Philadelphia with his family in June, 1785. For three weeks 
he was the guest of Dr. Benjamin Rush, who entertained him with 
elegant hospitality, and introduced to his acquaintance the prominent 
citizens of Philadelphia. His first letter to his friends in Scodand 
proved that his impressions of America and Americans were very 
favourable ; but subsequent letters indicate that the roseate hues of 
metropolitan societ)' no longer gladdened his vision when he came to 
encounter the realities of his new office. 

He arrived in Carlisle on the 4th of July, and was received with 
enthusiasm. He entered that ancient borough in charge of a 
committee of citizens, with an escort of cavalry, in time to observe 
the celebration of the anniversary of independence by noisy 
republicans. 

He was installed in office the next day, and commenced the organiza- 
tion of an institution which he had been led to believe was to be the 
foremost college in America. During nineteen years he laboured as few 
men could have laboured, performing an amount of work that was 
truly prodigious, in the midst of discouragements under which most 
men would have succumbed. His efforts to obtain a high grade of 
scholarship were thwarted, his advice too frequently unheeded, and his 
recommendations unnoticed or rejected by the Board. His cherished 
hopes of success were not realized, and this profound scholar and 
Christian gentleman went down to his grave under a sense of dis- 
appointment, but with the serene consciousness that he had done his 
best for sound scholarship in Dickinson college, and in the firm belief 
that the seed which he had planted would spring up and bear fruit 
under more genial suns and skies. 

During the whole time of his presidency Dr. Nisbet strove to elevate 
the grade of scholarship required for graduadon, but a majority of the 
trustees dissented from his educational views, believing them impracti- 
cable in the existing condition of the country, and the minority 
acquiesced in the views of those who hoped to increase the revenue of 
the college by attracting that class of students who desire to obtain 
academic honours with the least possible outlay of time and labour. 

Other causes, which it is not necessary here and now to enumerate, 
contributed to depress the college during the first two decades. " It 
had been," says Dr. W. H. Allen,* "organized before the country 

♦Historical Sketch of Dickinson college, read before the Philadelphia Conference of the M. E. Church. 



I lo MEN OF MARK. 

needed it." The College of New Jersey at Princeton, and the Univer- 
sity of Pennsylvania, were adequate to supply all the demand for col- 
legiate education in this section of the country at that time. 

But local interests or private jealousies prevailed then, as they have 
many times since, over the dictates of prudence and foresight. It is an 
American weakness to build half a dozen moribund colleges with no 
endowment but debt, with only the patronage necessary for one, and 
with half a dozen poorly paid Faculties to do the work of one, and to 
do it very imperfectly. It strongly resembles our sectarian weakness, 
which induces us to waste the Lord's money in building four or five 
churches in every little town which has no more population and wealth 
than are sufficient for the support of one, and placing in the pulpits as 
many starving preachers, who supply the half filled pews with spiritual 
food of about the same quality as the physical food which their sparse 
and sleepy congregations dole out to them. 

Dickinson college was a premature birth, and with the most careful 
nurture its vital force in early life was necessarily feeble. The proverb 
says "money is the sinews of war," and it is equally true that money is 
the brains of a college, for without money brains will not come, or if 
they come, will not stay. Dickinson college had not a sufficient 
endowment to make it independent of tuition fees. This fact had then, 
as it always will have, a demoralizing effect on discipline. When 
students know that the Faculty depend on them for daily bread, and 
that their withdrawal or expulsion will close the doors of the institu- 
tion, they have a firm conviction that they are masters of the situation. 
Dickinson College was in this precarious condition for nearly half a 
century. When it sought subscriptions from individuals, it was met 
with the charge of sectarianism ; when it solicited donations from the 
state it was accused of political heresies and exposed to investigating 
committees; and when the number of students diminished and the 
Board could neither beg nor borrow, they reduced the salaries of the 
Faculty and lowered the requiremehts for graduation. This policy 
caused Dr. Nisbet to say that the people of this country seemed to 
know no difference between a college and a primary school for children. 

In 1803 the college was consumed by fire, and a larger and more 
commodious edifice was erected in 1804, but Dr. Nisbet did not live 
to occupy it. This building is now called West College. 

As already stated. Dr. Nisbet was a gendeman of vast and varied 
learning. Many of the most distinguished men of the countr)' were 
trained under his careful and able supervision, and they always referred 
to him with profound respect for his character, and glowing admiration 



REV. CHAHLES NISBET, D. D. I I I 

of his erudition and aptness to teach. Such a man could not die. His 
influence survives him in the vigorous impulse which he gave to 
education in its highest forms, and which has been, as it will be, trans- 
mitted from generation to generation. 

Tradition still reports many striking and sparkling instances of the 
genuine wit which seems to have been a largely developed element 
of his constitution. This was a power which he could wield with 
tremendous effect, and which he did not hesitate often to bring into 
exercise. On one occasion whilst a member of the General Assembly, 
as he was replying to a speaker who had made an unfortunate address, 
he dealt out his caustic remarks with the introductory formula, oft 
repeated, " If I had said so and so, I should feel so and so." The 
Moderator was obliged to ask for an abatement of severity in the 
address. To his interposition the Doctor replied, with his peculiar tone 
and gesture : " And hasn't a man, Mr. Moderator, a right to say what 
he pleases about himself?" thus bringing down the house in irresistible 
laughter, and thus, perhaps, doing more to establish his cause than 
could have been done by an extended speech. 



ROBERT DAVIDSON, D. D. 




OBERT DAVIDSON, D. D., was the second President of 
Dickinson college. He was born at Elkton, Maryland, in 
I 750, and graduated at the University of Pennsylvania in i 771. 

When twenty-two years old he was licoiscd to preach by the Pres- 
bytery of Newcastle, and not long afterwards he was ordained by the 
Second Presbytery of Philadelphia. When twenty-three years old he 
was appointed an instructor in the University of Pennsylvania, and 
shortly afterwards chosen Professor of History, and assistant to Dr. 
Ewing, pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Philadelphia. In 
1775 he composed a dialogue in verse, with two odes set to music, 
which were performed as an exercise at commencement, in the pre- 
sence of the Continental Congress. In luly of the same year he 
delivered a patriotic sermon on the war before the military in Phila- 
delphia, and soon afterwards repeated it before the troops at Burling- 
ton. In I 7S4 he published an Epitome of Geography in verse, for the 
use of schools, which was highly valued at the time. When Dickinson 
college was founded he was invited to become one of the Professors. 
" His name will be of use to us," wrote Dr. Rush to Dr. Nisbet, "for 
he is a man of learning, and of an excellent private character." When 
leaving the University the Trustees of it testified their appreciation of 
his merits and services, by conferring on him the degree of Doctor of 
Divinity. 

Dr. Davidson was thirty-four years old when, in the autumn of 1784, 
he became V^ice-President of the college and Professor of History and 
Belles-Lettres, and also pastor of the Presbyterian church of Carlisle. 
This last relation he sustained with honour and success for twenty-eight 
years, greatly beloved by his flock. He was faithful and diligent in 
the discharge of his duties both as professor and pastor. In 1785 he 
composed a dialogue in blank verse, in honour of the patrons of the 
college, which was spoken in public and printed. He was noted for 
his systematic habits, and his achievements were correspondingly 
numerous and great. With eight languages he made himself 
acquainted ; in theology he was well versed ; and with the whole 
circle of science he was familiar, especially in astronomy, on which 
subject he published several papers, and invented an ingenious appa- 
ratus called a " Cosmospha-ey He was often called upon to deliver 



ROBERT DAVIDSON, D. D. i I - 

discourses on occasions of public interest, and always did it well. In 
September of '94 he preached a sermon on "'The Ditties of Citizens" 
before the troops, on their way to suppress the Whiskey Insurrection, 
and soon afterwards delivered another on "The Freedom and Happiness 
of the United States'' before General Washington, Governor Mifflin, 
and the military bound on the same expedition. The authorities were 
so much gratified, that Governor Mifflin offered him an honourable 
position, which he respectfully declined. 

In 1796, Dr. Davidson attained one of the highest honours of his 
church, in being elected Moderator of the General Assembly, the 
eighth in order, a position which he filled with his usual dignity and 
affability. When General Washington died, in 1799, Dr. Davidson 
delivered a eulogy on his life and services, which appears in a collec- 
tion of discourses elicited by that event, and published in 1802, with 
the title "Washingtoniana." And upon the death of Dr. Nisbet, in 
1804, he delivered a like tribute to his memory. During the five years 
succeeding the death ot Dr. Nisbet, Dr. Davidson discharged the 
duties of the President of the college, and did so faithfully and accept- 
ably. In 1809 he resigned, to give himself wholly to his pastoral 
charge, and received a vote of thanks from the Trustees for his long 
and faithful services. Dr. Davidson was a lover and composer of 
sacred music, and had a very decided taste and talent for drawing. 
In 181 1 he published the 1 19th Psalm in metre, and the next year pub- 
lished a " New Metrical Version of the Psalms," with annotations — 
regarded as superior to Sternhold and Hopkins, improved by Rouse. 

After a life of great activity and usefulness Dr. Davidson died in 
Carlisle, December 13, 181 2, in the sixty-second year of his age. His 
funeral sermon, afterwards printed, was preached by his friend. Dr. 
Cathcart, of York. As a preacher, Dr. Davidson was eminendy 
instructive, and, owing to extreme modesty, could command his pen 
much easier and better than his tongue. It has been well said of him, 
that, as a man of letters, his standing was high. His clear intellect and 
extensive acquirements made him a valuable instructor. As an evi- 
dence of his diligent and studious habits, he left twenty manuscript 
volumes of sermons and scientific lectures, in addition to all he had 
given to the public through the press. Dr. Davidson was married 
three times. By his second wife — daughter of the Hon. John Mont- 
gomery, of Carlisle — he had his only child, a son, the Rev. Robert 
Davidson, D. D., whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume. 




REV. FRANCIS HERRON, D. D. 

P:V. FRANCIS HERRON was born near Shippensburg, 
Cumberland county, Pa., June 28th, 1774. He belonged to 
that honoured and honourable race, the Scotch-Irish, memo- 
rable in the history of the world, but especially in our country, for a 
thorough devotion to evangelical truth and constitutional liberty. The 
training of his early years bore rich fruit at a subsequent period of his 
life, making him so eminent among his brethren as an effective 
preacher and an orthodox divine. 

Receiving the careful training indicative of his parents' high regard 
for knowledge, he entered Dickinson college, Carlisle, Pa., then under 
the care of that distinguished Presbyterian, Rev. Dr. Nisbet. Here 
he completed his classical course, and graduated May 5th, 1794. The 
prayers of his pious parents were answered by the influence of grace 
upon his heart, and he was led to study for the ministry of reconcilia- 
tion. He studied theology under Robert Cooper, D. D., his pastor, 
and was licensed by Carlisle Presbytery, October 4th, 1797. '' 

He entered upon the service of his Divine Master as a missionary, 
going out into the backwoods, as it was then called, passing through 
Pittsburgh, Pa., then a small village, and extending his tour as far west 
as Chillicothe, Ohio. Stopping for the night in a tavern at Six Mile 
Run, near Wilkinsburg, Pa., the people prevailed upon him to stay till 
the following Sabbath, which he did, and under the shade of an apple 
tree did this young disciple break the bread of life to the people. 

His journey was resumed the next day, and with a frontier settler 
for his guide, he pushed on to his destination, through an almost 
unbroken wilderness, his course often guided by the " blazes " upon 
the trees. Two nights he encamped with the Indians, who were quite 
numerous near what is now the town of Marietta, Ohio. 

On his return from Chillicothe, Ohio, he visited Pittsburgh. The 
keeper of the tavern where he lodged proved to be an old ac- 
quaintance, and, at his request, he consented to preach. Notice was 
sent, and in the evening a small congregation of about eighteen persons 
assembled. The house he preached in was a rude structure built of 
logs, occupying the site of the present First Presbyterian church. 
And such was th.e primitive style of that day, that, during the services. 



REV. FRANCIS HERRON, D. D. II5 

the swallows, who had their nests in the eaves, flew among the congre- 
gation. 

At this time, the churches in that portion of our country were 
visited with a season of refreshing grace, and Mr. Herron entered into 
the revival with all the ardour of youth, filled with hopefulness and 
zeal. He preached for Rev. Dr. John McMillan, at the Chartiers 
church, during a revival season. He also preached at the Buffalo 
church, where his fervid eloquence made a deep impression, and the 
people presented him a call, and strono;ly urged it upon his attention 
He, however, concluded to return to the vicinity of his home, especially 
as a call from Rocky Spring church was awaiting him. This call he 
accepted, and he was ordained and installed as pastor of that church 
by Carlisle Presbytery, April 9th, 1800. 

Here his life work commenced. The season of revival through which 
he had passed during his journey to and from the west, had given a 
spiritual unction to his preaching, which soon manifested itself among 
his people. His efforts in behalf of their true interests were system- 
atized. Prayer meetings were inaugurated. He established the Bible 
Class, together with meetings for catechetical instruction. He devoted 
a large portion of his time to the " little ones of his flock." In scenes 
like these the first decade of his ministerial life passed away, the 
people grew in piety and spiritual strength, and the pastor in that 
power to influence the people, and to instruct and edify them. 

During a visit to Pittsburgh, in 18 10, he was invited to occupy the 
pulpit of the First church, then vacant by the recent death of Rev. 
Robert Steele. The people were charmed with his discourse; his 
ripening intellect, modified by that refined spirituality which was a 
prominent element in his ministration, had a powerful effect upon his 
audience. They urged him to preach for them a second time, which 
he did; the result was, a unanimous call was made out and presented 
to him in the usual manner. 

The Presbytery of Carlisle dissolved the relation that existed 
between Rocky Spring church and Mr. Herron, and he was dismissed 
to Redstone Presbytery, April 3, 181 1, and was installed pastor of 
the First Presbyterian church, Pittsburgh, Pa., the following June. In 
a few weeks he removed with his family to his new home, traveling in 
a large wagon with his wife, children, and all his household goods. 

He joined Redstone Presbytery, June i8th, 181 1. The importance 
of his new position was fully and truly felt. The commercial importance 
of Pittsburgh had given all kinds of business an impetus, and pros- 
perity was advancing rapidly, but this outward show referred only to 



I I 6 MRN OF MARK. 

worldly affairs; the religious condition of the people was cold and almost 
lifeless. The church to which he was called was embarrassed with 
debt, and the piety of the people manifested a degree of conformity 
to the world which nearly appalled the preacher's heart. But the 
experience of his ten years' pastorate was to him invaluable, and 
girding himself, he entered upon his duties with a true heart and an 
earnest purpose. His preaching was the simple exposition of the 
truth as it is in Jesus — pointed, clear and unwavering — reVealing the 
enormity of sin and pleading with the fidelity of one who loved their 
souls. This style of preaching was sustained by his efforts to establish 
the prayer meeting, which, strange as it now appears, met with much 
opposition, even among professors of religion ; but this young pastor 
knew the holy influence of communion with God, and that God favoured 
a praying people; he therefore went forward, and, in connection with 
Rev. Thomas Hunt, who was pastor of the Second church, they 
persisted, though to avoid collision with the people the meetings were 
not held in the church, and a small room was used for that purpose 
in which Mr. Hunt taught a day school. The first meeting consisted 
of the two pastors, one man, and six women; and thus, for eighteen 
months, did these meetings continue without adding a single person to 
their number. 

The chilling indifference of the people soon grew into a downright 
hostility, and husbands and fathers prohibited their wives and daughters 
from attending, and, finally, when the continued efforts of these pious 
people could be no longer borne, they waited upon Mr. Herron and 
told him that it must be stopped. His reply was the turning point in 
the spiritual condition of that people. He said, " Gentlemen, these 
meetings will not stop ; you are at liberty to do as you please, but I 
also have the liberty to worship God according to the dictates of my 
conscience, none daring to molest or make me afraid." From that 
time a spirit of piety manifested itself among the members of the 
church, several gay and lashionable persons were hopefully converted, 
and an impression was made upon the whole community at once 
hopeful and healthful. 

Besides his talents as a preacher, and his loveliness of character as 
a pastor. Dr. Herron was a practical man and a good manager. The 
debt which hung as an incubus upon the church increased the diffi- 
culties of his situation, and after various efforts to remove it or stave 
off the issue, the natural result arrived, and the church was sold by the 
sheriff in December, 1813. He attended the sale and bought the 
property in his own name for ^2,819. In a short time he disposed of 



REV. FRANCIS HERRON, D. D. 1 17 

a corner lot to the Bank of Pittsburgh, whereon to erect a banking house, 
for ^3,000. With this money he paid off the debt of the church, and 
placed the surplus, $180, in the treasury. 

The church started on a new era of prosperity. Dr. Herron's intel- 
lect was in its full strength, and his influence was felt throughout the 
whole community, and his fame throughout the whole Church. The 
church became crowded with hearers, and the membership rapidly 
increased, so that an enlargement of the building was rendered neces- 
sary. This was done by removing the side walls and enlarging the 
width, so as to admit an aisle and an additional row of pews on each 
side. This alteration was completed in December, 181 7, and on a re- 
sale of the pews, enough funds were realized not only to pay all the 
expenses of the alteration, but to alter the pulpit and erect a session- 
room in the rear of the church. 

As a token of gratitude of the congregation to the pastor, and of 
the high estimate they put upon his practical efficiency and ministerial 
excellence, they raised his salary to fifteen hundred dollars — a large 
salar)' at that time. 

Dr. Herron was a fine representative of a minister of the olden time. 
He was fond of the good old paths. He based his success, as a minister, 
upon catechetical instruction, Bible Classes and Sunday Schools. He 
believed, and acted out his belief, that the good old Presbyterian usage 
of drilling the children in the family and in the church, in the letter of 
the Shorter Catechism, is the best of all methods for impressing evan- 
gelical conviction, and for training a generation of sound, orthodox, 
intelligent Christians. This system, at first confined to the children, he 
extended, in 1823, to the adult members of his congregation. These 
meetings were conducted by the minister every Sabbath afternoon, and 
were, of course, highly blessed. 

In 1825, the General Assembly resolved to establish a Theological 
Seminary in the west, and appointed a committee to select a place. 
Rev. Dr. Herron, with his naturally quick preception, in connection 
with the Rev. Dr. Swift, urged the claims of Allegheny city, Pa. He 
entered into the enterprise with his whole heart, and by much labo- 
rious and skilful effort, obtained a decision in favour of locating it there. 
Dr. Swift took charge of the instruction of the pupils, whilst Dr. 
Herron assumed the toils and anxieties of its sustenance. Thouehthis 
involved a vast amount of time and labour, still Dr. Herron never for 
a moment withdrew from his post, but for every additional burden he 
seemed to be specially sustained by his Divine Master. Such a super- 
abundance of toil suited the man, and with unwearied assiduity he 



1 18 MEN OF MARK. 

laboured on for years, and to no one does the Western Theological 
Seminary of the Presbyterian Church, owe its influence, and success, 
too, in a greater degfree, than to Dr. Herron. 

In 1827 he was elected Moderator of the General Assembly of the 
Presbyterian Church, at its session in Philadelphia. During the 
autumn of that year a revival of religion manifested itself among his peo- 
ple, and eventually throughout the community. His ministrations were 
also blessed with outpourings of the Spirit in 1832 and 1835. 

In 1850, Dr. Herron, having reached his seventy-sixth year, felt like 
the prophet Elijah, that he must soon depart. He therefore pressed 
his resignation upon his congregation, which they accepted with the 
understanding that he would accept a thousand dollars per year for life. 
He feel asleep in Jesus, and entered his rest on the 6th day of Decem- 
ber, i860. Though he had retired from active life for some years, his 
death was felt to be a public loss. A meeting was held of the 
ministers of the city of Pittsburgh, and the adjoining city of Allegheny, 
to give expression to their feelings. The Court of Common Pleas and 
the District Court adjourned, and the news spread as though a public 
calamity had befallen the city. The funeral was attended by all ranks 
in life. 

The Rev. William M. Paxton, Dr. Herron's successor, delivered a 
memorial discourse in which he thus presented the aged patriarch as a 
man, a Christian, and a minister : 

"As a man he was made for the times — a man of nerve, will, power, 
moulding rather than being moulded, breasting the current rather than 
floating upon its surface. Such men are generic forces, originating 
thoughts, creating circumstances, and propelling society in their own 
way and for their own purposes, stamping their impress upon the com- 
munity in which they live, work reformation and originate eras of pro- 
gress and improvement. 

"As a Christian, he was distinguished by the vigourous growth and 
uniform development of the whole circle of Christian graces. His 
character was .symmetrical, admirably adjusted, and equipoised in all 
its parts. His chief distinction as a Christian was his love for the 
person and his devotion to the glory of Jesus Christ. Secondly, his 
love for souls. Thirdly, he was eminently a man of faith. Fourthly, 
with a pure evangelical faith he combined a liberal catholic spirit, and 
fifthly, he was magnanimous in the highest and noblest sense the word 
can be used. 

"As a minister, first, he was an experimental preacher ; second, he was 



REV. FRANCIS HERRON, D. D. ug 

doctrinal ; third, he was an awakening preacher ; fourth, his preaching 
was tender and affectionate. 

"As a presbyter, he was attentive, regular and prompt; thoroughly 
acquainted with rules of order, he very often presided over the Pres- 
bytery and Synod. 

"As a public man, he was interested in every enterprise to promote 
the comfort of the people and the adornment of the city of Pittsburgh. 
He was one of the city's fathers, and no man loved it better or did 
more to advance its highest welfare. He not only loved his city, but 
also his state and nation. Patriotism was a part of his religion, and 
his heart was alike true to his country as to his God. He knew the 
worth of human liberty, and believed that these United States are a 
peculiar heritage of freedom." 

Dr. Herron married in February, 1802, Miss Elizabeth Plain, daugh- 
ter of Alexander Plain, Esq., of Carlisle, Pa. She died in 1855. 




D. M'CONAUGHY, D. D. LL. D. 

SHE REV. DAVID M'CONAUGHY was born in Menallen town- 
ship, York county, (now Adams,) about six miles from Gettys- 
burg, on the 29th of September, i 775. His grandfather, David 
M'Conaughy, had settled in that region when Pennsylvania was a 
colony of Great Britain, and held the office of Sheriff of Lancaster 
county, under the royal government. In the revolutionary contest, 
however, he was on the side of the colonies, and proved himself a true 
patriot, although too far advanced in life to aid by his personal services. 
His son Robert, the father of the subject of this notice, partaking of his 
ancestral spirit, engaged actively in the service of his country ; but how 
long, or in what capacity — whether as an officer or a private soldier — 
we are not informed. During his absence with the army, an incident 
is related of the remarkable preservation of his son David, then about 
two years of age, showing the special providence of God, in rescuing 
from death one who was destined afterwards to accomplish so much 
for Christ and his Church. His mother being temporarily absent, 
David, in company with the child of one of the labourers, wandered off 
to a mill-race in the vicinity, and falling into it, remained there for some 
time. When discovered and taken out, life appeared to be extinct. 
But after hours of unceasing efforts, suspended animation was restored, 
and he was given back, of God, to parental affection, to be reared for 
high and holy services in the kingdom of His Son. 

In the vicinity of his parental home, under the tuition of a Mr. 
Monteith, he received the rudiments of his early education. When 
about ten years of age, he was sent to a grammar school in the neigh- 
bourhood, taught by a Mr. Boggs, which was one of the earliest classi- 
cal schools established in the interior of the state. This school having 
continued but a short time, he was removed to a classical school in 
Gettysburg, taught by the Rev. Alexander Dobbin, a Scotch minister 
belonging to the Associate Reformed Church, and who is represented 
to have been a gentleman of extensive learning and devoted piety. 
In this school he continued in the diligent prosecution of his studies, 
until he was prepared to enter college. What degree of talent or 
aptness in the acquisition of knowledge he discovered, during this 
juvenile period of his life, we have no information. But his friends who 
knew him in his boyhood, represent him as possessing the same leading 



D. M' CONAUGHY, D. D.. LL. D. 121 

traits of character which he exhibited in after hfe. Quiet, patient and 
unobtrusive — though fond of the amusements usual with boys of his 
age — his conduct was ever marked by genuine politeness, and a regard 
for the feelings of others, which knew no distinction of rank or position. 

His collegiate education he received at Dickinson College, Carlisle, 
where he was graduated on the 30th day of September, 1795, during 
the presidency of the Rev. Dr. Charles Nisbet, so celebrated for his 
various and extensive learning, and his salient and sparkling wit. He 
had the Latin Salutatory assigned him, which, according to the usage 
of the institution of that time, was considered the first honour. Among 
his class mates were Chief Justice Taney, of the Federal Court of 
the United .States, and Justice Kennedy, of the Supreme Court of 
Pennsylvania, both distinguished as learned and able jurists, and 
the Rev. Joshua Williams, D. D., of Newville, equally distinguished as 
a profound and skilful theologian. To have been the successful com- 
petitor of such men, was no mean honour. But, even if we had not 
this testimonial of his scholarship, we might safely infer, from the accu- 
racy and extent of his attainments in subsequent life, that he had laid 
a solid foundation, and industriously improved his advantages, during 
his preparatory and collegiate course. 

Immediately after leaving college, he entered on his theological 
studies, under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Nathan Grier, of Brandy- 
wine, who had an extended reputation as an eloquent and popular 
preacher, and with whom many young men pursued their studies for 
the ministry. There he remained two years in the prosecution of his 
studies, when, on the 5th day of October, 1797, he was licensed by 
the Presbytery of New Casde to preach the gospel. The next spring 
he received permission from the Presbytery to itinerate six months 
without their bounds, and particularly within the limits of the Carlisle 
and Philadelphia Presbyteries. In accordance with this permission, he 
preached frequently in Philadelphia, and also in New York, whither he 
had gone, and where he was detained a considerable time by the pre- 
valence of the yellow fever in Philadelphia, where it raged during the 
latter part of the summer, and the fall of that year. What proportion 
of time he spent in the Presbyteries of Carlisle and Philadelphia 
respectively, is not known, but the spring following, April 5th, 1799, 
he took his dismission from the Presbytery of New Castle, and on the 
9th of the same month placed himself under the care of the Presby- 
tery of Carlisle, his long residence within the bounds of which fully 
entitles him to a place in this volume. 

Having received and accepted a call from the united churches of 



122 MEN OF MARK. 

Upper Marsh Creek and Great Conewago, within the bounds of that 
Presbytery, he was ordained and installed their pastor on the 8th day 
of October, 1800. In that same year the formation of Adams into a 
separate county took place, and Gettysburg became the county seat. 
This town was situated about three miles from the site of the Upper 
Marsh Creek church, and within the limits of that congregation. In- 
creasing in wealth and population, and embracing within it a number 
of Presbyterian families, it was deemed too important a place to be left 
without the stated preaching of the gospel by Presbyterians. For a 
time it was supplied with occasional preaching by Dr. M'Conaughy 
himself, and also by Dr. Paxton, the talented and eloquent pastor of 
the adjacent church of Lower Marsh Creek, one or more of the fami- 
lies belonging to whose church resided in the town. After some years, 
however, the congregation of Upper Marsh Creek determined to remove 
their edifice to town, and in the year 18 13, Dr. M'Conaughy preached 
his last sermon in the old church, previous to its demolition. From 
various causes, the new edifice was not ready for occupancy for several 
years. In the meantime, the congregation were kindly allowed the use 
of the Associate Reformed church, then vacant, until a pastor should 
be procured. Afterward, they worshiped in the Court House until the 
completion of their edifice. In the month of August, 181 6, the house, 
having been completed, was solemnly dedicated to the worship of the 
Triune God. The congregation still retained its original chartered 
name of " Upper Marsh Creek," and still remained in union with Great 
Conewago, under the same pastoral care as before. In these united 
congregations, Dr. M'Conaughy continued, in the faithful and accepta- 
ble discharge of his ministerial duties, until the spring of 1832, when 
he was dismissed, at his own request, to connect himself with the Pres- 
bytery of Washington, and to enter on another, and in some re.spects, 
a more e.xtended field of labour. 

Dr. M'Conaughy watched over his flock with a shepherd's care, and 
was ever ready to bestow his labour and exert his influence for the ad- 
vancement, not only of their spiritual, but also of their temporal 
interests. A few years before his removal from Gettysburg, the 
church in that place had suffered their debt to accumulate, until it had 
reached a larger sum than their real estate was worth. Under the pres- 
sure of such a debt, nothing but the most prompt and energetic efforts 
could save them from bankruptcy and ruin. At this crisis, Dr. 
M'Conaughy, with generous devotion to the interests of the church, 
undertook to relieve them ; and by his untiring industry, great personal 
efforts, and the exercise of his large influence, succeeded in extinguish- 



D. AF CONAUGHY, D. £>., LL. D. I 23 

ing the debt, with the exception of a very small and insignificant sum, 
which was paid after his removal from Gettysburg. In the accom- 
plishment of this object he spared no labour. In addition to home 
exertions and influence, he visited the cities of Baltimore, Philadelphia, 
and New York, for the purpose of procuring funds. He also published 
a new edition of " Doddridge's Sermons," for which he procured a large 
subscription, from the avails of which he realized a considerable sum 
towards the liquidation of the debt. Providence smiled upon his efforts 
— the concrreofation were relieved, and before his death he had the satis- 
faction to see it, single handed and alone, able to support a pastor the 
whole of his time. 

Of the spiritual results of his labours among the people of his pastoral 
charge, not having had time nor opportunity to procure the necessary 
information, we cannot speak with confidence. But if clear and able 
expositions of the gospel of the grace of God, if faithful pastoral in- 
structions and prayers, and if the persuasive influence of a heavenly 
spirit and a holy life furnish any ground on which to erect a hope, we 
can hardly doubt but that many were brought to Christ through his 
instrumentality, and will appear as his "joy and crown of rejoicing, in 
the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, at his coming." 

Dr. M'Conaughy was the pioneer in the Temperance reform, in his 
native county. Preparatory to the formation of a society, and with a 
view of gaining access to all classes, he appointed meetings to be held 
at the Court House in the evenings, at which he read the Temper- 
ance essays of Drs. Rush, Beecher, and others. In this way he 
diffused information, and awakened attention in the community to 
the subject, and thus led to the formation of the ficst Temperance 
Society in Adams county, and of which he was elected the first presi- 
dent. In aid of the cause he preached a sermon from i Cor. vi, 
10, "Drunkards shall not inherit the kingdom of- God," which was 
published, and extensively circulated throughout that region. It con- 
tains an accurate description of the character of a drunkard, and a 
fearless and faithful exhibition of the certainty and justice of his 
exclusion from heaven. Its delineations are truthful and eloquent, 
eminently adapted to move and impress the heart. 

In the year 1807, Dr. M'Conaughy commenced a grammar school 
in Gettysburg, for the purpose of thoroughly training young men to 
enter college. This school he continued until 181 2, when he relin- 
quished it in favour of a county organization. After the organization 
of the county institution, however, his services were occasionally soli- 
cited, and cheerfully rendered upon the failure of the board to secure 



124 



MEN OF MARK. 



Other suitable teachers. In this respect he had nothing of the fastid- 
iousness of some weak and vain men, who disdain to render aid to 
important institutions or enterprises, unless they are clothed with 
official rank, or their vanity flattered by some titular distinction. His 
heart and his hand were always open to the claims of learning and 
religion, and if, by any practicable service, he could give them increased 
force, he was ever ready to do it. As a teacher of youth, as well as a 
minister of the Gospel, he did much to elevate the character of his 
native county. His pupils were generally distinguished in the colleges 
to which they resorted for the accuracy and extent of their attainments. 
Many of them afterwards rose to stations of eminence and distinction 
in the different departments of society. Among these it will not be 
deemed invidious to mention the late Jeremiah Chamberlain, D. D., 
President of Oakland College, Miss. ; the late Rev. John E. Annan, 
Professor of Mathematics in the Miami University, O. ; and his brother, 
the Rev. Wm. Annan, the well known editor of the Presbyterian 
Advocate ; the Rev. John Holmes Agnew, formerly Professor of 
Languages, in Washington College, and afterward Professor in the Uni- 
versity of Michigan; the Rev. H. L. Baugher, D. L)., President of Penn- 
sylvania College, at Gettysburg ; the Hon. Daniel M. Smyser, President 
Judge of the Bucks and Montgomery District; and the Hon. James H. 
Graham, President Judge of the Carlisle District, in this state. These, 
and others who might be named, laid the foundation of their eminence 
and fame under the tuition of this ripe scholar, and skilful teacher of 
youth. Indeed, as a thorough Latin and Greek scholar, Dr. M'Con- 
aughy had few superiors ; and as. a teacher of the classics, the common 
verdict of those who knew him best, was, that he was eminently 
judicious and successful. It was the knowledge of this fact, and of his 
general scholarship, and high intellectual and moral endowments, that 
led to the suggestion of his name in connection with the Presidency of 
Washington College. 

After the resignation of Dr. Wylie, and during the suspension of 
the operations of that institution, the Trustees were an.xiously looking 
out for a suitable person to occupy that station. Having received the 
most favourable information respecting Dr. M'Conaughy, from one 
who had long been intimately acquainted with his character and quali- 
fications, they unanimously elected him to the Presidency, on the 12th 
of March, 1830. This appointment, it was his inclination and purpose 
to accept, as he intimated in his communication to the board ; but, 
shortly after his election, the unexpected death of a near relative 
produced such a condition of things in his family relations as to render 



D. M'CONAUGHY, D. D., LL. D. 125 

it improper for him to remove. Of this he promptly and frankly 
informed the board, so that they might not be embarrassed, and their 
institution injured, by deferred expectations which might not be realized. 
Although the board deeply regretted the occurence which deprived 
them of his services, they admitted the validity of his reasons, and 
approved his course as ingenuous and honourable. The next fall the 
college was resuscitated, and its operations resumed under a temporary 
arrangement, which was to continue until a suitable principal could be 
procured. Failing in their efforts to secure such an one, the board 
again turned their eyes towards Dr. M'Conaughy. Having learned 
that the circumstances of his position were so changed as no longer to 
impose on him the necessity of remaining at Gettysburg, they again, 
on the 2 1 St of December, 1831, unanimously invited him to occupy the 
post which he had before been obliged to decline. This invitation he 
accepted, and having removed to Washington, he was inaugurated as 
President of the college on the 9th of May, 1832. The number of 
students at the time of his accession was one hundred and nineteen. 
Under his mild and paternal administration the number continued to 
increase, and every year added to the strength and reputation of the 
institution in the minds of intelligent and well informed men. The 
whole period of his administration embraced seventeen years and six 
months, during which time eighteen classes were graduated ; the first 
contained four, and the last thirty-six young gentlemen. And of the 
whole number who were graduated during his presidency — amounting 
in all to three hundred and eighty-eight — more than one-half belono-ed 
to the last six classes who received the honours of the institution, with 
his approving signature annexed to their diplomas. It is but justice 
to the memory of Dr. M'Conaughy that these facts be known. They 
tell their own story, and will enable those not otherwise familiar with 
the history of the college, to judge with what measure of ability and 
public approval its affairs were managed, under his superintendence. 

The tender of Dr. M'Conaughy's resignation was made to the 
President of the board on the ist of October, 1849, accompanied with 
a request that prompt action might be had upon it by the board, so 
that the way might be open for the choice of a successor, in time to 
meet the wants of the institution. Accordingly, at a special meeting of 
the board, on the 12th of October, his resignation was accepted, it 
having been ascertained that his purpose to retire was immovably fixed. 
At the special request of the board, however, and that the college 
might suffer no damage, he generously consented — in the event that a 
successor could not be immediately secured — to conduct the studies of 



I 26 MEN OF MARK. 

the higher classes, as before, until other suitable arrangements should be 
made. This he did, unofficially, and as a matter of accommodation, 
during the greater part of the next two sessions — until the arrival of 
Dr. Clark, the President elect — much to the satisfaction of the board 
and the advantage of the institution. 

The high respect and veneration entertained for Dr. M'Conaughy 
by the Board of Trustees, are indicated by the strongly expressive 
resolutions which were offered by the Hon. Th. M. T. M'Kennan, and 
passed immediately upon the acceptance of his resignation. In these 
resolutions it is declared, " that in accepting the resignation of Dr. 
M'Conaughy, the Trustees feel that it is alike due to him and to them- 
selves to say that they part with him, as the presiding officer of the 
institution entrusted to their care, with undiminished confidence, and 
entertain for him feelings of the most profound respect and veneration, 
as a scholar, a gentlemen and a Christian minister;" — "that the fact 
of the graduating classes having increased irom four — the number of 
the first class graduated after his accession to the Presidency — to thirty- 
six, the number of the last class previous to his resignation — furnishes 
the most honourable and gratifying proof of the ability and success of 
his administration, and of the high estimation in which the college and 
its learned Faculty are held by an intelligent public ;" — " that, as a 
testimonial of their high appreciation of the intellectual ability, and ripe 
scholarship of Dr. M'Conaughy, the Board of Trustees do hereby 
confer upon him, the honourary degree of Doctor of Laws ; and in 
closing their official relation with him, tender to him their best wishes 
for his future comfort, and their earnest prayers that the special bless- 
ing of Him, to whose glory his life and labours have been consecrated, 
may ever accompany and rest upon him." 

These resolutions were not designed as an empty compliment, as is 
sometimes the case, but as the honest tribute of warm and generous 
hearts to genuine and unaffected worth. And they furnish a suitable 
close to an official connection, which had been distinguished by the 
most respectful and affectionate regard on both sides, and by important 
benefits to the institution which had been the object of their united 
prayers, labours and anxieties. 

Dr. M'Conaughy's labours did not cease with the dissolution of his 
connection with the college. Although occasional attacks of disease 
and advancing years had impaired his bodily strength, his intellectual 
powers remained in all their original force. So far as the mind was 
concerned " his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated." Hence^ 
he pursued his mental labours with his accustomed activity. As 



D. M'CONAUGHY, D. D., LL. D. 1 27 

evidence of this, during the next year after his resignation he prepared 
and pubHshed a volume of " Discourses, chiefly Biographical, of Persons 
Eminent in Sacred History." These are admirable discourses — " fine 
specimens of discriminating thought, lucid arrangement, vigorous style, 
and the skilful and profitable exhibition of sacred truth." Although, 
in his numerical divisions and some small matters of an artistical kind, 
the author may not have accommodated himself to the demands of 
modern taste, he has undoubtedl) succeeded in the production of a 
work, which, in the estimation of competent judges, ranks with the very 
first of its kind. 

In the year 1838, he published for the exclusive use of the senior 
class in^Washington College, " A Brief Summary and Outline of the 
Principal Subjects Comprehended in Moral Science." This is a com- 
prehensive and well digested outline, which, it is to be regretted he did 
not fill up, and thus have furnished our colleges with a convenient and 
reliable text-book on that subject. His other publications consist of 
some half dozen sermons, and a few of his Baccalaureate Addresses. 
These are all written with his accustomed ability, and were well adapted 
to the occasion and circumstances which severally called them forth. 
Since his decease, it has been announced that a couple of tracts from 
his pen have been issued from the press — one on the Doctrine of the 
Trinity, and the other on the Salvation of Infants. The subjects are 
important and their mode of treatment will, doubtless, sustain the well 
earned reputation of their author. 

In his domestic relations. Dr. M'Conaughy was peculiarly blessed. 
In the spring of the year 1802, he was married to Miss Mary Mahon, 
daughter of David Mahon, Esq., of Shippensburg, Pa., a lady whose 
spirit was in harmony with his own, and with whom he lived most hap- 
pily for fifty years. Her bereavement can only be mitigated by Divine 
Grace, and by the animating hope of, ere long, joining him again in 
their "Father's house," in heaven. Although without any children of 
his own. Dr. M'Conaughy's house was the constant home of some cher- 
ished young friend, towards whom he ever exercised a father's love 
and care, although without a father's name. Among his collateral de- 
scendants, and those of his wife, a number of names are registered as 
ministers of the Gospel, whose happiness it is to have the light of his 
bright example shining before them, to animate and cheer them in 
their work. 

" If there was a man within the entire circle of our acquaintance who 
was entitled to the character of 'a good man,'" says the Rev. David 



I 28 MEN OF MARK. 

Elliott. D. D.,* " it was David M'Conaughy. Although from literary 
institutions of high reputation he had received the honourary distinction 
of ' Doctor ol Divinity,' and ' Doctor of Laws,' the still higher and 
nobler title, that of ' a good man,' was conferred upon him by the 
united suffrage of the whole community. Nor was this title conferred 
upon him in the sense of disparagement, unless it may have been by 
some thoughtless charlatan, or by some transient observer, who knew 
but little of his character. But, Dr. M'Conaughy was reputed 'a good 
man,' in the most favourable sense of the phrase. The high qualities 
of his character, which lay transparent on the surface of his acts, com- 
manded the respect, and won the admiration of all who had the 
capacity to discern, or disposition to appreciate, true moral excellence. 
His was no negative nor half-formed goodness, which, with doubtful 
features, glimmered out occasionally from the cloudy atmosphere with 
which sin envelops the soul ; but it was goodness of a positive charac- 
ter, a living, active reality, looming out with a distinctness and maturity 
which vanquished doubt, and gave assurance of its divine, original and 
heavenly growth. 

"There was, also, a sincerity and honesty in all his words and actions, 
which put to flight every shadow of suspicion that he was not what he 
appeared to be. Indeed, no man could be more free than he was from 
the deceptive practice of uttering words with a double sense, or con- 
cealing his real intentions by expressions of equivocal import or doubt- 
ful interpretation. What he said, he thought; his words being ever the 
faithful transcript of the thoughts and intents of his heart. 

"There was, moreover, a completeness of character belonging to 
him, beyond that of most men. High qualities are often accompanied 
with great defects. That Dr. M'Conaughy was free from defects, we 
do not affirm ; but, by the number and strength and vitality of his con- 
stitutional gifts and Christian graces, these defects were overshadowed 
and scarcely seen, or, if seen, but little regarded by those whose moral 
vision was not jaundiced by prejudice. And this living assemblage of 
excellent properties seemed all to be under the control of a gravitating 
power, giving regularity to their movements, and impelling them to a 
common centre, for the fuller and clearer manifestation of the whole. 
Hence, his character was one of great moral power, and his example 
was such as those within the sphere of its influence might safely and 
honourably imitate. 

"The piety of Dr. M'Conaughy was eminently spiritual. It partook 
largely of the lineaments of its Divine Author. Formed by the Holy 

* Commemorative Discourse, preached in Washington, Pennsylvania, March 21st, 1852- 



D. M'CONAUGHY, D. D., LL. D. 129 

Ghost, nurtured and strengthened by his abiding influence, it seemed 
to have largely outgrown and overshadowed the opposing principles 
of corruption in the soul, and to have brought him into a state of 
familiar fellowship with God, his Saviour. This spiritual feature of his 
piety, and its pervading and controlling influence over the mind, were 
often distinctly seen in his devotional exercises and acts. There were 
occasions on which, forgetting apparently the things of earth, he seemed 
to rise, in wrapt devotion, to the very throne of God. 

" One of these occasions the speaker distinctly recollects, and will 
never forget. We had gone together, on a summer's .Sabbath day, to 
preach and administer the Lord's Supper in the church of Mount Nebo, 
in the vicinity of your town. The morning service, including that of 
the communion, being over. Dr. M'Conaughy preached in the after- 
noon. By the time he closed his sermon the western sky was over- 
cast with dark clouds, from the midst of which sheets of lightning 
burst upon the eye, the roar of distant thunder and the heavy sighing 
of the wind t'ell upon the ear, portending a fearful storm. The church 
(a building, as now recollected, of no great strength,) was in the woods, 
and the impulse, probably, of almost every mind in the house, was, that 
the service should close, to afford the people an opportunity to reach 
the neighbouring farm-houses, where they and their horses might find a 
shelter from the impending tempest. With Dr. M'Conaughy, however, 
all seemed to be clear sky. He raised his hands and his voice in 
prayer. He became deeply engaged. Pious thoughts seemed to 
crowd upon his mind ; devout aspirations swelled his heart ; time 
passed on, and still he prayed ; while the indications of the approach- 
ing storm became more alarmingly distinct. And while others of 
weaker faith and less spiritual affections were anxiously observing the 
troubled atmosphere, our stronger and more devout brother had 
ascended from Nebo ' to the top of Pisgah,' and there, far above the 
reach of conflicting elements, and in view of the promised land, was 
holding sweet fellowship with his God. At length he ceased, and 
descending from the mount, closed the services with a hymn ; we 
retired from the church, but, before we reached the nearest house, the 
storm was upon us." 

On Sabbath, the iith of January, Dr. M'Conaughy preached his 
last sermon, in the church of Washington, from Proverbs i, 22. He 
is reported to have been unusually animated and impressive, and all 
agreed in pronouncing the discourse one of the most solemn and 
powerful they had ever heard. On the next Sabbath he was confined 
to bed by a severe cold, but which, at first, created no alarm. After 



I30 



MEN 01' MARK. 



some days, however, his strength rapidly failed him, and he gradually 
sunk, until, at length, while his friends around his bedside were engaged 
in prayer that he might have a safe and easy departure, "the silver cord 
was loosed," and his ransomed spirit was "present with the Lord." 
His extreme weakness and difficulty of breathing, during his illness, 
prevented him from conversing much ; but, in the language of one who 
was present, " the serenity of his countenance, and the few expressions 
which fell from his lips, betokened the heavenly sunshine of the soul 
within." His days were numbered, his work was done, and he has 
gone — as we confidently trust — to the enjoyment of that " rest which 
remaineth to the people of God." 

He departed this life, at his late residence in Washington, on Thurs- 
day evening, the 29th of January, 1S52, in the seventy-seventh year of 
his age, and the fifty-fifth of his ministry. He " died in a good old age, 
an old man, and full of years," having passed the ordinary period 
allotted to human life on earth. 



JOHN MOODEY, D. D. 



HE REV. JOHN MOODEY, was born in Dauphin county, 
Pa., July 4th, 1776. He graduated at Princeton College in 
1 796. His theological studies were pursued under the 
direction of the Rev. James Snodgrass. He was married to Miss 
Elizabeth Crawford. In 1803 he was installed as pastor of the Middle 
Spring Presbyterian church, about two miles north of Shippensburg. 
This was the only congregation of which he ever had charge. He 
served it for fifty years. During his protracted and faithful ministry, 
the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on him by the 
Trustees of Washington College, Pa. 

Dr. Moodey was a gentleman of stately personal appearance, and 
dignified bearing. He was eminently courteous in manner and sound 
in judgment. Apparently free from ambition, he was desirous only to 
be found faithful in the duties of the sphere to which Providence had 
called him. 

His eldest son, Robert C. Moodey, was a physician, but died in mid- 
dle life. His second son, John W. Moodey, also a physician, who long 
and successfully practiced his profession in Greensburg, Indiana, died 
there about five years ago. His third son, James C. Moodey, is a 
a lawyer of ability, and about ten years ago was a United .States Judge 
for the district of Missouri. His fourth son, Joseph, departed this life 
in his youth. 

Dr. Moodey, during his pastorate at Middle Spring, resided in Ship- 
pensburg, and much of the time in the building at the western end of 
the town, which is located within a few yards of the line dividing the 
counties of Cumberland and Eranklin. Being the owner of some fields 
near to his dwelling, he carried on agricultural operations to some 
extent. His time, however, was mainly devoted to the spiritual 
interests of his congregation which was very large and scattered over a 
wide extent of territory. 

As a preacher, Dr. Moodey had an excellent reputation. He was a 
logical, instructive, and able expounder of the gospel. He always read 
his sermons. With him there were none of the flourishes of oratory, 
or flashes of fancy, or efforts after novelty, which so often attract with- 
out any permanent interest or benefit, but his ministry was ever char- 
acterised by a plain, manly and edifying exhibition of the Word, and a 



132 MEN OF MARK. 

brincrino- of thinors new and old out of his treasure, which saved his 
acceptableness in the pulpit from anything like abatement. A number 
of preachers of the Gospel were sent forth by his church. * One who 
grew up under his ministry, in a most admirable description of the old 
church, published in 1847, ^h"s refers to its solid and solemn pastor: 

" Out from that puljiit's height, deep-browed and grave, 

The man of God ensconced, half bust was shown. 
Weighty and wise, he did not thump nor rave, 

Nor lead his folks upwrought, to smile nor moan. 
By him, slow cast, the seeds of truth were sown, 

Which, lighting on good soil, took lasting hold. 
Not springing eftsoons, then to wilt ere grown, 

But in long time their fruits increased were told ; 
.Some thirty, sixty some, and some an hundred fold." 

Dr. Moodey died full of years. ' His remains now lie entombed 
in the same grave with those of the partner of his life, in the rear of 
the new church edifice which has taken the place of the old one in 
which his voice for half a century was heard proclaiming the way of 
salvation. Over the grave his congregation has erected a handsome 
monument, a fitting e.xpression of their aftectionate regard for one to 
whom their parents were so much attached, and whose memory is 
endeared to themselves by so many tender and touching associations. 

* William M. Nevin, Esq., Professor of Belles Letires, in Franklin and Marshall College. 







REV. DAVID DENNY. 

IHE REV. DAVID DENNY was the third son of a Revolution- 
ary soldier who fell in battle, when his eldest son, contending 
at his side, was captured by the enemy. He graduated at 
Dickinson College, while Dr. Charles Nisbit was Principal of that 
institution, and under that learned and classic divine beran and 
completed his theological studies. He was a fond admirer of his 
distinguished preceptor, and often narrated anecdotes illustrative of 
his wit, learning and accomplishments. The sources of Philosophy and 
Divinity at that day were neither as copious nor accessible as at 
present, and the acquisitions of the students were consequently earned 
by severer toil and application than the facilities of learning now exact. 
The lectures of Dr. Nisbit were delivered at a modulated rate and 
tone, that the members of his class might be able to reduce them to 
writing as they fell from his lips. Mr. Denny, at his decease, left in 
his library seven quarto volumes of these discourses, in his own hand- 
some and legible handwriting, which form together a respectable body 
of metaphysics and divinity. Whatever the present intrinsic value of 
these lectures may be, when the bounds of sacred and profane learning 
have been so much enlarged, the diligent reader will find in many 
pages of them strong marks of the erudition, original thought and 
classic taste of the author. 

Mr. Denny was licensed to preach the Gospel about the year i 792, 
by the Presbytery of Carlisle, within whose bounds he remained until 
the close of his pastoral office. He was first installed over two con- 
gregations in Path Valley, that had lately become vacated by the death 
of the Rev. Mr. Dougal, where he continued until the year 1800, in the 
enjoyment of the esteem and affection of a much beloved people. In 
the year last mentioned, he was transferred to the pastoral charge of 
the Falling Spring Church, in Chambersburg, which he retained until 
the termination of his public ministrations — a period of thirty-eight 
years. His means derived from the ministry being inadequate to the 
demands of a large and growing family, he was obliged to combine 
with it, for a series of years, the labours of a teacher of the learned 
languages in an academy, and being master of economy he secured 
that enviable maintenance midway between poverty and wealth, so 
9 



134 MEN OF MARK. 

desirable to the good man, and that proves at once a defence against 
the inconveniences of penury, and the vices of profusion. 

In the year of Mr. Denny's retirement from the active duties of the 
sanctuary, death snatched from his side the fond partner of his pilgrim- 
age, a lady of exalted worth, and by the same stroke broke his cheerful 
spirit and firm constitution. Companions also who shared his better 
years and pastoral intimacy, had then dropped away one by one 
around him, until he was left almost alone, like the gray oak of the 
forest, surrounded by generations of a younger growth. He continued 
to languish under increasing infirmity, until repeated attacks of 
paralysis accelerated his decline and deprived him of the power of 
articulate speech. It was not until several months after this trying 
visitation, (December i6th, 1845,) that the mysterious hand which 
often chastens out of plenitude of love, called him, by a voice gentle 
and meek as the breathing of infant slumber, from the sorrow of his 
earthly state to the joyous assembly of the just. His person, cast in the 
finest mould for strength, activity and proportion, was well adapted to 
the air of dignity which nature herself had impressed upon it. His 
mind was of a strong and discerning order, always governed by 
candour and sincerity, and warmed by the love of truth. His views 
were expressed in the language of simplicity and earnestness, neither 
adorned nor obscured by the garnish of imagery or the flashes of 
rhetoric. 

In doctrine Mr. Denny was a decided Calvinist, and conscientiously 
attached to the standards of the Presbyterian Church. Modesty and 
humility were interwoven with the very texture of his heart, and its 
liveliest sympathies were always in expansion for the sick, the suffering 
and the desolate. Neither inclemency of weather nor transient illness 
were suffered to detain him from the exercises of the pulpit, and he 
enjoyed, in no ordinary degree, the esteem and affection of the people 
among whom he labpured. He was actuated in social intercourse by 
a manly, tolerant and liberal spirit, and has left to all who stood in 
private or public relations to him, an example of many virtues with 
which humanity is not often adorned, which they may fail to imitate, 
but can never cease to admire and love. 




JOHN BANNISTER GIBSON, LL. D. 

|OHN BANNISTER GIBSON, late Chief-Justice of the 
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, was born in Shearman 
Valley, Pennsylvania, November 8th, 1780. He was the son 
of Lieutenant-Colonel George Gibson, an officer of the Revolutionary 
Army, who fell in St. Clair's expedition against the Indians on the 
Miami, in 1791. He received his preparatory education in the 
grammar school attached to Dickinson College, and subsequently 
studied in the collegiate department, from which in due time he gradu- 
ated. He entered the office of Thomas Duncan, who was afterward 
an Associate Judge of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and passed 
through a severe course of reading for the legal profession, and was 
admitted as an attorney at law at the bar of Cumberland county, in 
1803. 

He first opened his office at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and after a few 
years removed to the town of Beaver, in the same state. From this 
latter locality he changed to Hagerstown, Maryland, and shortly aiter- 
ward returned to Carlisle. In 18 10, he was elected by the (then) 
Republican party as a representative in the lower branch of the Legis- 
lature, and was re-elected the following year, during each session fill- 
ing prominent stations on committees, etc. In July, 181 3, he was 
appointed President Judge of the Eleventh Judicial District of Pennsyl- 
vania, and three years after was commissioned an Associate Judge of 
the Supreme Court, which, at that time, was considered equivalent to 
a life tenure, the appointment being " during good behaviour." At the 
death of Chief-Justice Tilghman, in 1827, he was appointed by the Gov- 
ernor to succeed him. In 1838, at the date of the adoption of the then 
New Constitution of the State, he resigned his office, but was imme- 
diately re-appointed by the Governor. 

By a change in the Constitution making the Judiciary elective, his seat 
became vacant in 1851. During the same year he was elected an 
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, being the only one of the 
former incumbents who was nominated by the Democratic party. He 
discharged the functions of his office until attacked by his last illness. 
He died in Philadelphia, May 3d, 1853. As a jurist he stood among 
the highest in the land. At home and abroad his transcendent legal 
ability was universally acknowledged. His judicial opinions are 
among the richest treasures of the country. 




JOSHUA WILLIAMS, D. D. 

JR. WILLIAMS had not the advantage of entering, at an early 
age, on a course of studies preparatory to the ministry. He 
was graduated at Dickinson College, in the year 1 795, then 
under the presidency of Dr. Nisbit. His theological studies were pur- 
sued chiefly under the direction of Dr. Robert Cooper. 

In the year 1798, in the thirtieth year of his age, he was licensed to 
preach the Gospel by the Presbytery of Carlisle. The year following, 
he received a call from the united congregations of Derry and Paxton, 
Dauphin county, which he accepted, and was ordained to the work ot 
the ministry, and installed pastor of said charge, by the Presbytery of 
Carlisle, in the autumn of the same year. After having served the 
people of this, his first charge, for about four years, he received a call 
from the Presbyterian Church at Big Spring, left vacant by the death 
of the Rev. Samuel Wilson, which he judged it to be his duty to accept, 
and accordingly he gave up the charge of his former congregations, 
and was installed pastor of the latter in the year 1802. Under the 
labours of a prolonged pastorate, his general health declined, and a 
complication of infirmities reduced his physical strength. His nervous 
system, especially, became disordered, and, as a consequence, he often 
suffered great mental depression. A year or two previous to his 
release from his pastoral charge, under the impression that he was 
unable to perform, as they should be done, the duties of a pastor, he 
proposed resigning his charge. But the congregation earnestly 
remonstrated against his doing so, and assured him of their being well 
satisfied with such services as his feeble state of health permitted him 
to render. About the year 1829, at his earnest request, the pastoral 
relation between him and the congregation of Big .Spring was dis- 
solved. From the day of his installation till his resignation he lived 
and laboured among his people with uninterrupted harmony and 
o-rowinor interest. 

After retiring from his pastoral charge. Dr. Williams did not at all 
abandon the duties of his office as a minister of the Gospel, but con- 
tinued, as his health permitted and opportunity was afforded, serving 
vacant congregations in the bounds of the Presbytery, and frequently 
assisting his brethren on special occasions. In these labours of love he 
seemed to take great interest, often crossing mountains and riding 



JOSHUA WILLIAMS, D. D. 1 37 

a distance into neighbouring counties, to preach the Gospel to the des- 
titute. Dr. Williams' last illness was only of about four days continu- 
ance. He had at various times expressed his fears of the dying strug- 
gle, but in his own case death -seemed wholly disarmed of all his 
terrors. His end was peaceful, without a disturbed feature. On the 
morning of the 21st of August, 1838, he seemed literally to fall asleep 
in Jesus. The next day a very large concourse of persons (most of 
whom had been formerly the people of his charge,) together with eight 
or ten ministers, attended the funeral, and testified their very great 
regard for him, whom they had so much reason to love, and to venerate. 
His remains were deposited in the Big Spring churchyard, nearly in 
view from the sacred desk where he had so long preached to that 
people the Gospel of God, which brings life and immortality to light. 

In the death of Dr. Williams the church lost an able and faithful 
advocate of the truth. His retired situation and unobtrusive disposi- 
tion were, no doubt, the occasion of his being less publicly known than 
he justly merited. His talents and attainments as a minister of the 
Gospel were such as always to command the highest respect from all 
who knew him. He was naturally possessed of strong and vigourous 
intellectual powers. His judgment was sound and discriminating. 
He had a remarkable taste and aptitude for metaphysical discussions, 
which, however, never seem to have led him into erroneous specula- 
tions on the doctrines of religion. 

As a steward of the mysteries of God, he was well instructed and 
furnished for every good work, above most others in the sacred office. 
His mind was richly stored with theological knowledge ; with every 
part of Scripture he seemed familiar, and could quote any passage to 
which he wished to refer with great readiness and accuracy. He 
employed much of his time in reading instructive authors, and always 
with a view to the furnishing of his mind the more thoroughly for the 
duties of his office, and for his own personal edification. 

As a preacher of the Gospel, Dr. Williams was grave and solemn in 
his manner, and highly instructive in his discourses. His usual method 
in his sermons was to explain his text, if it needed explanation, then state 
the subject or doctrine illustrated, and confirm this by Scripture and 
argument. And to make the truth bear upon the hearts of his 
audience, his first object was to instruct, then to persuade, believing 
that truth is in order to righteousness, and that there can be no correct 
practice till the mind be enlightened, and the heart sanctified through 
the truth of the Word of God. 

In his manners and conversation, this excellent man was courteous 



I 38 MEN OF MARK. 

and affable, )et always dignified. He was trul)- a lover of hospitality. 
It gave him great pleasure to have his brethren in the ministry visit 
him. Nor were such occasions suffered to pass without improvement. 
Very few men, we are assured, ever possessed in the same degree with 
Dr. Williams the happy faculty of communicating solid instruction in 
social conversation. Some useful subject was always introduced, and 
discussed in such a manner as to be at once interesting and instructive. 
The great doctrines of the Cross, which he professed to believe and 
which he preached, were not held by him as mere theoretical subjects, 
without a salutary and practical influence on his own heart. It was 
seldom, except to intimate friends, that he would freely unfold his 
imbueci with the precious truths of the Gospel, — that he had felt intensely 
religious experience, but then it was manifest that his mind was deeply 
the power of that Word of God which he preached to others. Having 
fought a good fight, and kept the faith, he finished his course, leaving 
no room or reason to doubt that he passed to the possession of that 
crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give 
to all them that love His appearing. 



1 



GEORGE CHAMBERS. LL. D. 




HE father of the subject of this sketch, Benjamin Chambers, 
was born in the year 1775, and was a son of Col. Benjamin 
Chambers, the founder of Chambersburg. When a youth of 
but twenty years, he enlisted in the company of his brother, Captain 
James Chambers, and marched with it to Boston. Soon after he joined 
the army he was commissioned a captain, and in that rank fought at 
the battles of Long Island, Brandywine, and Germantown, with credit 
and gallantry. During the retreat of the army from Long Island, the 
Pennsylvania troops were assigned to the distinguished but hazardous 
honour of covering the movement. While assisting in this delicate and 
perilous manoeuvre. Captain Cham.bers had the great good fortune to 
arrest the attention of General Washington, win his commendation 
and receive from him, as a signal token of his approbation, a handsome 
pair of silver-mounted pistols, which have always been treasured as a 
precious heir-loom in the family, having recently been bequeathed to 
Benjamin Chambers Bryan, a great-grandson of the original donee. 

But the diseases of camp and the rigours of military life compelled 
Captain Chambers to retire from the army ; just at what period of the 
struggle is not definitely known. Although no longer engaged in 
regular military service, his skill and e.xperience and great personal 
courage made him the captain and leader in many expeditions against, 
the Indians, whose savage and bloody forays upon the settlements of 
Bedford and Huntingdon counties were constantly creating great con- 
sternation aud alarm. 

At the conclusion of the treaty of peace with England he became 
extensively engaged in the manufacture of iron, and was the first to 
make iron castings in the country. 

Influenced by the same enlightened liberality which characterized his 
father, he donated, in the year 1 796, two lots of ground in Chambers- 
burg as a site for an academy. A charter was procured in i 797, and 
shortly afterwards a suitable building was erected, and a select school 
organized and opened under the tuition of James Ross, whose Latin 
Grammar for many years maintained its distinguished position, without 
a rival, in the colleges and seminaries of our land. 

Captain Chambers left upon record, among the last business acts of 
his life, his solemn testimony to the importance and value of education. 



I40 MEN OF MARK. 

by earnestly enjoining upon his executors, in his will, that they should 
have all his minor children liberally educated. This betokened a zeal 
for learning that was certainly very rare in that day. He died in 1813, 
crowned with the esteem, respect, and love of the community for whose 
welfare and prosperity he had taxed his best energies, and to whose 
development he had devoted the labour of a lifetime. 

George Chambers, his oldest son, was born in Chambersburg, on 
the 24th day of February, A. D., 1786. It was not unlikely that such a 
father would put George to his books while very young. This seems 
to have been so. He must have been taught to read and write, and 
have acquired the other rudiments of a common English education, at 
a very early age ; for when he was but ten he began the study of Latin 
and Greek in the classical school of James Ross. He subsequently 
entered the Chambersburg Academy and became the pupil of Rev. 
David Denny, an eloquent, learned, and much revered Presbyterian 
clergyman. He was ambitious and studious, and had made such pro- 
gress in the ancient languages and mathematics that in October, 1802, 
he was able to pass from the academy into the lunior Class at Prince- 
ton College. He graduated from that institution in 1804, with high 
honour, in a class of forty-five, among whom were Thomas Hartley 
Crawford, Theodore Frelinghuysen, Joseph R. Ingersoll, Samuel L. 
Southard, and others who rose to distinguished eminence at the bar, in 
the pulpit, and in the councils of the nation. 

He chose the law as his profession, and entered upon its study with 
William M. Brown, Esq., in Chambersburg. Having spent a year with 
him, he became a student in the office of Judge Duncan, in Carlisle, 
then in the zenith of his great fame. Having passed through the 
customary curricuhtm, he was admitted to the bar and sworn as a 
counsellor in the courts of Cumberland county, in the year 1807. 

Shortly afterwards, he returned to Chambersburg and commenced 
the practice of his profession. When he entered the arena, he found 
the bar crowded with eminent and learned lawyers. Duncan, Tod, 
Riddle, and the elder W^atts practiced there and monopolized the busi- 
ness. With such professional atlilctes, already crowned with the laurels 
of the profession, and clad in armor that had been tempered and 
polished by the lucubrations of more than twenty years, it seemed a 
hard, indeed an almost impossible, task for a young and inexperienced 
man to compete. 

Mr. Chambers, however, courted notoriety by no adventitious aids. 
Indeed, he thought so little of all the usual methods of inviting public 
attention, that it is related of him that he dispensed with " the shingler 



GEORGE CHAMBERS, LL. D. 141 

that ornament of the office-shutter which the newly-fledged lawyer is 
so apt to regard as an indispensable beacon to guide the footsteps of 
anxious clients. Nor did he advertise his professional pretensions in 
either card or newspaper. He was quite content to recognize in the 
law a jealous mistress, who would be satisfied with nothing less than 
the undivided homage of heart and mind. 

His professional career was not distinguished by rapid success at 
first. Like almost all who have attained the highest honours at the bar, 
his 7iovitiatevj2iS severe. He found the first steps of his journey toward 
eminence beset with difficulties and full of discouragements. After 
weary years of waiting, success came at last — as it must always come 
to true merit. When it did come — and, perhaps, it came as soon as it 
was deserved — he was prepared to meet its imperious demands. 

Mr. Chambers had a mind most admirably adapted to the law. It 
was acute, logical and comprehensive, of quick perception, with strong 
powers of discrimination, and possessed of rare ability to grasp and 
hold the true points of a case. 

Added to these natural abilities was the discipline of a thorough 
education, supplemented by a varied fund of knowledge acquired by 
extensive reading, which ranged far beyond the confines of the litera- 
ture of his profession. 

Besides all this, he possessed, in a most eminent degree, that 
crowning ornament of all mental stature, (^ood common sense — without 
which the most shining talents avail but litde. 

It is not surprising, therefore, when the opportune time came that 
was to give him the ear of the court, that he should attract atten- 
tion. From this time his success was assured, and his progress to 
the head of the bar steady and unvarying. This ascendancy he easily 
maintained during his entire subsequent professional life. Not only 
was he the acknowledged chief of his own bar, but also the recognized 
peer of the first lawyers of the state. 

From 181 6 to 1851, when he retired from active practice, his 
business was immense and very lucradve. He was retained in every 
case of importance in his own county, and tried many cases in adjoining 
counties. 

He was well read in all the branches of the law, but he especially 
excelled in the land law of Pennsylvania. He had completely mastered 
it, and could walk with sure and unfaltering step through all its in- 
tricate paths. His preparation was laborious and thoroug^h. He 
trusted nothing to chance, and had no faith in lucky accidents, which 
constitute the sheet-anchor of hope to the sluggard. He identified 



142 MEN OF MARK. 

himself with his client, and made his cause his own, when it was just. 
He sought for truth by the application of the severest tests of logic, 
and spared no pains in the vindication of the rights of his clients. He 
was always listened to with attention and respect by the courts, and 
whenever he was overruled it was with a respectful dissent. 

The writer of this tribute* came to the bar after Mr. Chambers had 
retired from it, and cannot, therefore, speak of him as an advocate, 
from personal knowledge. But tradition, to whose generous care the 
reputation of even the greatest lawyers has too uniformly been 
committed, has fixed his standard high. His diction was pure and 
elegant ; his statement of facts lucid ; his reasoning, stripped of all 
false and vulgar ornaments, was severe and logical ; his manner 
earnest and impressive, and, when inspired by some great occasion, his 
speech could rise upon steady pinions into the higher realms of 
oratory. 

His influence with juries is said to have been immense. This arose 
in part, doubtless, from their unbounded confidence in his sincerity 
and integrity ; for he was one of those old-fashioned professional 
gentlemen who stubbornly refused to acknowledge the obligation of 
the professional ethics which teach that a lawyer must gain his client's 
cause at all hazards and by any means. While he was distinguished 
for unfaltering devotion to his client, and an ardent zeal in the 
protection of his interest, he was not less loyal to truth and justice. 
When he had given all his learning and his best efforts to the prepara- 
tion and presentation of his client's case, he felt that he had done his 
whole duty. He would as soon have thought of violating the 
Decalogue as of achieving victory by artifice and sinister means. His 
professional word was as sacred as his oath, and he would have 
esteemed its intentional breach as a personal dishonour. He despised 
professional charlatanism in all its forms, and had he come in contact 
with its modern representative, he would have been his abhorrence. 

Washington College, Pennsylvania, manifested its appreciation of his 
legal learning and personal worth by conferring upon him the degree 
of LL. D. in the year 1861. This honour, entirely unsolicited and 
unexpected by him, was a spontaneous mark of distinction, as 
creditable to the distinguished literary institution that bestowed it as it 
was well earned by him who received it. 

Mr. Chambers having determined, in early manhood, to devote 
himself with an undivided fidelity to the study and practice of the law, 
and to rely upon that profession as the chief architect of his fortune 

* J. McDowell Sharpe, Esq. 



GEORGE CHAMBERS, LL. D. 143 

and his fame, very seldom could be enticed to embark upon the 
turbulent sea of politics. His tastes and habits of thought ran in a 
different channel. Office-seeking and office-holding were uncongenial 
pursuits. The coarse vulgarity and bitter wranglings of the "hustings" 
shocked his sensitive nature. Indeed, no one could be less of a 
politician, in the popular acceptation of that term. He was as much 
superior to the tricks of the political intriguer as truth is superior to 
falsehood. His native dignity of character, robust integrity, and self 
respect, united to an unbounded contempt for meanness, lifted him so 
high above the atmosphere of the demagogue, that he knew absolutely 
nothing of its undercurrents of knavery and corruption. 

But in 1832, at the earnest solicitation of his party, he became a can- 
didate for Congress in the district composed of the counties of Adams 
and Franklin, and was elected by a majority of about eight hundred. 
He served through the Twenty-third Congress, the first session of 
which, commonly called " the Panic Session," commenced on the 2d of 
December, 1833. The most conspicuous and distinguished men of the 
nation were members, and the Congress itself the most eventful and 
exciting that had convened since the adoption oi the Constitution. 

Mr. Chambers was again a candidate and elected to the Twenty- 
fourth Congress by a greatly increased majority, and at its termination 
peremptorily declined a re-election. 

During his congressional career he maintained a high and respecta- 
ble position among his compeers. He was not a frequent speaker, but 
his speeches, carefully prepared, closely confined to the question under 
discussion, and full of Information, always commanded the attention of 
the House. 

He served on the Commitee on the Expenditures in the Depart- 
ment of War, on the Committee on Naval Affairs, on the Committee 
on Private Land Claims, and on the Committee on Rules and Orders 
in the House. To the discharge of these public duties he gave the 
same industry, care and ability which always characterized the manage- 
ment of his affairs in private life. He was a conscientious public ser- 
vant, zealous for the interests of his immediate constituents, and 
careful about the welfare and honour of the nation. 

In 1836, Mr. Chambers was elected a delegate from Franklin county 
to the Convention to revise and amend the Constitution of Pennsylva- 
nia. This body convened in Harrisburg on the 2d day of May, 1837, 
and its membership was largely composed of the foremost lawyers and 
best intellects of the State. 

Mr. Chambers was appointed a member of the committee to which 



1 44 MEN OF MARK. 

was referred the Fifth Article of the Constitution, relative to the judici- 
ary — by all odds the most important question before the Convention. 

The controversy over this article was bitter and protracted, between 
the advocates of a tenure during good behaviour and the advocates of 
a short tenure for the judges. Mr. Chambers opposed any change in 
this respect of the old Constitution, and throughout the various phases 
of the angry discussion stood firmly by his convictions. 

On the I 2th of April, 1851, Governor Johnston commissioned Mr. 
Chambers as a Justice of the Supreme Court, to fill the vacancy caused 
by the death of judge Burnside. He sat upon the Bench from this 
time until the first Monday of the following December, when under the 
amended Constitution, the new judges received their commissions. 
He was nominated by the Whig State Convention in 1851 for this 
ofiice, but was defeated along with his colleagues on the same ticket, 
having received, however, from the voters of his native count}', and of 
the adjoining counties, a very complimentary endorsement. 

During the time Mr. Chambers was a member of the Supreme 
Court, he prepared and delivered quite a number of opinions, written 
in a perspicuous and agreeable style, and exhibiting his usual exhaust- 
ive research and extensive legal knowledge. Some of these opinions 
are interesting to the professional reader, and can be found in the 
fourth volume of Harris's State Reports. The most notable among 
them are the cases of Baxby v. Linah, in which the effect of a judgment 
of a sister State in the tribunals of this State is elaborately discussed; 
Louden v. Blythe, involving the question of the conclusiveness of a 
magistrate's certificate of the acknowledgment by femes covert of 
deeds and mortgages ; and Wilt against Snyder, in which the doctrine 
of negotiable paper is learnedly examined. 

Mr. Chambers never occupied any other public official stations ; but 
in private life he held many places of trust and responsibility, giving to 
the faithful discharge of the duties they imposed upon him his best 
services, and to all enterprises for the advancement of the public good, 
and the promotion of education and morality, liberally of his sub- 
stance. 

In 1814 he was elected a Manager of the Chambersburg Turnpike 
Road Company, and afterwards its President, which positions he 
filled for half a century. 

In the same year he was actively employed in organizing and estab- 
lishing the Franklin County Bible Society, was elected one of its 
officers, and served as such for many years. 

He was always a steadfast and consistent friend of the cause of 



GEORGE CHAMBERS, LL. D. 145 

temperance. By precept, by example, and by strong and eloquent 
advocacy of its principles, he strove to correct public sentiment on this 
subject, and to arouse it to a proper appreciation of the horrors of 
intemperance. He assisted in the organization of a number of societies 
throughout the country, to which he gave freely such pecuniary aid as 
they required, and before which he was a frequent speaker. The seed 
which he thus so diligently planted ripened into a rich harvest of 
blessed results, the influence of which remains until this day. 

In 18 1 5 Mr. Chambers was elected a Trustee of the Chambersburg 
Academy, and afterwards President of the Board, resigning the trust 
after a tenure of tbrty-five years, because of the increasing infirmities 
of age. 

In the same year he was chosen one of the Trustees of the Presby- 
terian Church of Chambersburg, and in due time became President of 
the Board, from which he retired in July, 1864. 

He was also for many years a Director of the Bank of Chambers- 
burg, in 1836 was chosen its President, and annually re-elected until 
pressing business engagements compelled him to decline re-election. 

The mention of these unostentatious but useful and responsible 
employments is not improper here, for it serves to illustrate how Mr. 
Chambers was esteemed in the community where he passed his entire 
life. 

At the time of his death he was the largest land owner in Franklin 
county. He had a passion for agriculture, studied it as a science, and 
gave much of his leisure to the direction of its practical operations. His 
knowledge of soils, and of the fertilizers best adapted to them, was 
e.xtensive and accurate. His familiarity with the boundaries of his 
farms, and the varieties of timber -trees growing upon them, and exactly 
upon what part of the land they could be found, was so remarkable 
as to astonish his tenants frequently, and to put them at fault. He was 
not churlish in imparting all his knowledge about agricultural aftairs 
to his neighbours, and he was ever ready at his own expense to lead the 
van in every experiment or enterprise which gave a reasonable 
promise of increasing the knowledge or lightening the labours of the 
farmer. For the purpose of exciting a generous emulation among the 
farmers, and facilitating their opportunity for gaining increased 
knowledge of their business, although at quite an advanced age, he 
expended much time and labour in organizing and putting into 
successful operation the first Agricultural Society of Franklin county, 
which he served as president for one year. 

Mr. Chambers was proud of his native state, and a devout wor- 



1 46 MEN OF MARK. 

shipper of the race whose blood flowed in his veins. These sentiments 
were deepened and strengthened by a diligent study of provincial 
history and an extensive personal acquaintance with the illustrious 
men whose lives adorned the first years of the Commonwealth. The 
knowledge which he thus acquired brought to him the sting of dis- 
appointment ; for his sense of justice was wounded by the almost 
contemptuous historical treatment of the claims and deeds of that race 
which, more than all others, had helped to lay the broad foundation of 
state prosperity, to build churches and school houses, and to advance 
everywhere the sacred standard of religious libert)^ which had loved 
freedom and hated the king, and had carried with it into every quarter 
the blessings of civilization, and the hallowed influences of the Gospel. 

The spirit of his ancestry called him to the vindication of their race, 
and he determined — although the sand of his time-glass was running 
low — to round off, and crown the industry of a long life by a labour of 
love. 

During the brief periods of leisure, which the almost constant 
demands of his business only occasionally aftbrded him, he prepared 
and had published, in 1856, a volume, which, with characteristic 
modesty, he entitled, " A Tribute to the Principles, Virtues, Habits and 
Public Usefulness of t)ie Irish and Scotch Early Settlers of Pennsylvania; 
by a Descendants 

This production discloses such a thorough knowledge of the subject, 
and withal breathes so great a filial reverence tor those whose merits 
it commemorates, that it will doubtless long- be read with increasing 
interest by their descendants. 

Mr. Chambers was an ardent friend of the Historical Society of 
Pennsylvania, and impressed with the importance of the noble work, 
for the sake of truth, which it is now performing. The value of his 
eftbrts for the elucidation of the early history ot the province and state, 
and his moral worth, were generously recognized by the Society in his 
selection to be one of its vice-presidents, which honourable office he 
held at the time of his decease. 

By the request of the Society, Mr. Chambers undertook the prepara- 
tion of an extended history of a considerable portion of the State of 
Pennsylvania, including the Cumberland Valley. It was also intended 
to embrace a compilation and analysis of the various laws and usages 
governing the acquisition of titles to land in the state, to be supple- 
mented by an annotation of the changes caused therein by statutory 
law, and the decisions of the courts from time to time. 

The manuscript of this work, which had cost much research and 



GEORGE CHAMBERS, LL. D. 147 

labour, was finished and ready for the press on the 30th of July, 1864, 
when the Rebels, under General McCausland, made their cruel foray 
into Chambersburg, to give the doomed town over to its baptism of 
fire. 

It perished in the conflagation of that fearful day — which still haunts, 
and ever will, the memory of those who witnessed it, like the hideous 
spectre of a dream. Along with that manuscript perished also a 
biographical sketch, which was almost ready for publication, of Dr. 
John McDowell, a native of Franklin county, distinguished for his 
learning, usefulness, and devoted piety. 

Mr. Chambers lost heavily in property by the burning of Chambers- 
burg. The large stone dwelling-house built by his father in 1787, the 
house which he had himself erected in 181 2, and in which he had lived 
with his family since 1S13, together with four other houses, were totally 
destroyed. 

But this pecuniary loss caused him, comparatively, but little regret. 
His private papers, an extensive correspondence, valuable manuscripts, 
hallowed relics of the loved and lost ones, many cherished mementoes 
of friendship, his books so familiar and so prized from constant study 
and use, the old-fashioned stately furniture, and the precious heirlooms 
that had come down to him from his ancestry, all shared the same 
common ruin. Such things are incapable of monetary valuation, and 
their loss was irreparable. In one half hour the red hand of fire had 
ruthlessly severed all the links that bound him to his former life, and 
thenceforth he walked to the verge of his time isolated and disasso- 
ciated from the past. This calamity he keenly felt, although he nerved 
himself against its depressing influences with his characteristic cheer- 
fulness and fortitude. 

To this cause, also, must be atrributed the great lack of present 
materials for a proper biographical sketch of Mr. Chambers, and the 
difficulties and discouragements which the writer of this tribute has 
encountered in its preparation. 

Mr. Chambers was deeply moved by the news of the bombardment 
of Fort Sumter. When he heard the starding intelligence, although 
in firm health, it seemed to stir a fever in his blood. He urged the 
calling of the citizens of Chambersburg together immediately, to take 
proper measures for assisting in the defence of the Government. He 
presided at the meeting, and made a touching and eloquent speech, 
which was responded to on the spot by the enlistment of a full company 
for the three months' service. A few years before he had presented a 
flag to a military company called in his honour The Chambers Infantry. 



148 MEN OF MARK. 

This organization formed the nucleus of the company now enlisted for 
the stern duties of war, and was among the first in the state to report 
for service at the«headquarters at Harrisburg. From that hour, until 
the last Confederate soldier laid down his arms, Mr. Chambers stood 
steadfastly by the Union. The darkest hours of the war found him 
always the same unflinching supporter of the Government, the same 
staunch patriot, the same irreconcilable opponent of all compromise 
with treason, and the same defiant and implacable foe of traitors. 

On the 6th day of March, 18 10, Mr. Chambers married Alice A. 
Lyon, of Carlisle, daughter of William Lyon, Esq., Prothonotary and 
Clerk of the Courts of Cumberland county — a lady whose virtues and 
accomplishments cheered and solaced thirty-eight years of his life. 
Two sons and one daughter, the fruits of this marriage, still survive, 
and are residents of Chambersburg. 

Mr. Chambers was of medium stature, of slender frame and delicate 
constitution. He was indebted for the physical strength which enabled 
him to sustain for so many years the burden of excessive professional 
labour, solely to his abstemious life, regular habits, and almost daily 
exercise upon horseback. 

His classical training was excellent, and his knowledge of the Roman 
authors quite extensive. He was a well-read man, and familiar with 
the best literature of his own and past times — an acquaintance which 
he sedulously cultivated until a late period of his life. His library was 
large and well selected, and open at all times to the deserving, however 
humble might be their station. 

Mr. Chambers cared for none of the arts of popularity. He was 
not one " to split the ears of the groundlings." He had no ambition 
at all for this. His bearing was dignified and his manners reserved. 
With the world he doubdess was accredited a cold and proud man ; 
but to those who were admitted to the privileges of an intimate 
acquaintance, he was a sociable, kind, courteous and affable gentleman, 
and a genial and captivating companion. Having acquired a varied 
fund of knowledge from books, as well as from a close and intelligent 
observation of men, his conversadon was exceedingly entertaining and 
instructive. His memory, going back into the last century, had 
garnered up many interesting reminiscences of the events of that age, 
and personal recollections of its illustrious men ; and when in the 
unrestrained freedom of social intercourse he opened its treasures, 
they furnished, indeed, a rare intellectual entertainment to his charmed 
auditors. But so great was the elevation of his character and the 
purity of his nature, so intense his self respect, that I venture to assert 



GEORGE CHAMBERS, LL. D. 1 49 

that never at any time, under the temptations of the most unreserved 
conversation, did he utter a word or sentiment that might not with 
perfect propriety have been repeated in the most refined society. 

He was a sincere and steadfast friend, a kind neighbour, and a good 
and useful citizen. His advice to all who sought it — and they were 
many, in every walk of life — proved him to be a willing, judicious and 
sympathizing counsellor. 

In the management of his private affairs he was scrupulously honest 
and punctual. He required all that was his own, and paid to the 
uttermost farthing that which was another's. He scorned alike the 
pusillanimity which would defraud one's self and the meanness which 
would rob another. But withal he was a generous man. His house 
was the abode of a most liberal hospitality. His benevolence was 
large and catholic, manifesting itself in frequent and liberal contri- 
butions for the advancement of education and religion. He was kind 
to the poor and deserving, and more than one child of poverty received 
a good education at his e.xpense. But he did not publish his charities 
on the streets, nor give his alms before men. He reverently obeyed 
in this respect the scriptural injunction, "Let not thy left hand know 
what thy right ha^td doeth." 

It would be improper for us, by dwelling longer on his domestic 
virtues, to invade the sanctity of his home, where they grew into such 
eminent development. We know that he was a good husband, a 
devoted father, and an exemplar to his household worthy of the closest 
imitation. 

Mr. Chambers was a devout man from his youth, and a sincere and 
unfaltering believer in the cardinal doctrines' of the Christian religion. 
From childhood he was carefully trained in the tenets of the West- 
minister Confession and the Shorter Catechism. He drank in a 
reverence for the Sabbath day with his mother's milk, which so 
engrafted itself into his being that no earthly inducement could tempt 
him to profane it. In 1842, he made a public profession of his faith, 
and was received into the communion of the Presbyterian Church 
at Chambersburg. Thenceforth religion grew from a mere sentiment, 
or a cold intellectual belief, into the guiding principle of his life. It 
influenced his conduct towards others and governed his own heart. It 
kept him untainted from the world in prosperity, and solaced him in 
adver-sity. And when 'the twilight of his last days began to descend 
upon him, his pathway was illumined by the light of the Gospel, and he 
walked down to the dark river with a firm step, unclouded by doubts 

10 



1 50 MEN OF MARK. 

or fears, and with the eye of faith steadily fixed upon the Star of 
Bethlehem. He died on the 25th of March, 1866, in his eighty-first 
year, bequeathing to his children the heritage of an unspotted name, to 
posterity an enduring reputation, earned by a life full of good and 
virtuous deeds, and to the aspiring and ambitious youth an example 
worthy of the highest emulation. 




HON. WILLIAM FINDLAY. 

^ILLIAM FINDLAY, the fourth Governor of Pennsylvania 
under the Constitution of 1790, from December 16, 181 7, to 
December 19, 1820, was born at Mercersburg, Franklin 
county, on the 20th of June, 1768. 

The progenitor beyond whom he never traced his lineage was 
Adjutant Brown, as he was called, who took part in the defence of 
Derry, Ireland, during its famous siege in 1566, and afterwards emi- 
grated to this country with his daughter Elizabeth. The daughter 
married Samuel Findlay, of Philadelphia. A son by this marriage, 
Samuel, settled, some years before the opening of the Revolutionary 
War, at Mercersburg, a place which was then of more trade and 
importance relatively than now. It was an entrepot, where goods to 
be sent west of the mountains were brought in wagons and transferred 
to pack-horses. It is situated at the base of the Blue Ridge, in that 
great valley — the Shenandoah in Virginia and Cumberland in Penn- 
sylvania — which stretches from the borders of Tennessee to the Hud- 
son. In the year 1765, he was married to Jane Smith, a daughter of 
William Smith. She died in the thirty-fifth year of her age, the 
mother of eight boys, six of whom survived her. These lived to be 
men, and all of them attained respectable, and some of them dis- 
tinguished positions in the communities where they lived. Had that 
young mother been spared to look on them in their manhood, she 
might have regarded them with the complacency of Cornelia herself. 
Her fine understanding, her piety, her maternal tenderness and affec- 
tion, were themes on which those of her children who were old enough 
when she died to know and appreciate her virtues, fondly loved to 
dwell. 

William, the subject of this sketch, was the second of this family of 
sons. The Scotch-Irish, the name by which emigrants from the north 
of Ireland were known, at an early day settled in great numbers in the 
Cumberland valley, and at Mercersburg they formed almost the exclu- 
sive population. Like the Scotch, from whom they were descended, 
they appreciated the importance of a good education. A knowledge 
of the common English branches they deemed indispensable for all their 
children, while one son in a family, at least, if it could be accomplished 
by any reasonable sacrifice, received a classical education. William, 



1 5 2 MEN OF MARK. 

in his boyliood, displayed that activity of mind and thirst for know- 
ledge which were the characteristics of his manhood. His leisure 
hours were devoted to reading such books as were accessible. They 
were few, but they contained solid and useful information, very differ- 
ent from many of those which a prolific and unscrupulous press sup- 
plies the youth of the present day. They were read with care, and their 
contents made the subject of reflection. It was the intention of his 
parents to have given him a collegiate education, in preparation for 
one of the learned professions, which, had he been allowed his choice, 
would have been that of the law. A fire, which consumed his father's 
store and dwelling, caused so severe a pecuniary loss that this 
cherished purpose had to be abandoned. His instruction was there- 
fore only such as could be obtained in the schools of the neighbour- 
hood. The meagre advantages afforded him were studiously im- 
proved, and the natural activity of his mind and his ambition to excel 
enabled him to make substantial aquirements. He wrote with cor- 
rectness and perspicuity, had a general knowledge of American and 
English history and literature, and although not a technical lawyer, he 
acquired that " competent knowledge of the laws " of his country 
which Blackstone pronounces to be "the proper accomplishment of 
every gentleman." 

On the 7th of December, 1791, he was married to Nancy Irwin, 
daughter of Archibald Irwin, of Franklin county, and commenced life 
as a farmer on a portion of his father's estate, which at the death of his 
father, in i 799, he inherited. 

He was a political disciple and a great admirer of Mr. Jefferson, and 
at an early age took an active part in politics. The first office which 
he ever held was a military one, that of Brigade Inspector of Militia, 
requiring more of business capacity than knowledge of tactics. Mili- 
tary promotion led to political preferment. The election of a Colonel 
or Major was as fiercely contested as that of a Governor, and the can- 
didates were often if not generally of opposite parties. 

In the autumn of 1797, Mr. Findlay was elected a member of the 
House of Representatives of the State Legislature, which then sat in 
Philadelphia. He was then in the thirtieth year of his age, and found 
himself if not the youngest, among the most youthful in a body where 
it was the custom to send men more advanced in years than at present. 
He was again elected to the House in 1803. He proved himself a 
leading member, and one of the most useful in the House, being 
placed in the most responsible positions. 

On the 13th of January, 1807, Mr. Findlay was elected State 



HON. WILLIAM FINDLAY. 153 

Treasurer, whereupon he resigned his seat in the House. From that 
date until the 2d of December, 181 7, when he resigned to assume the 
duties of chief magistrate, a period of nearly eleven years, he was 
annually re-elected by the Legislature to that office, in several instances 
unanimously, and always by a strong majority, not uncommonly being 
supported by members politically opposed to him. 

In 181 7, Mr. Findlay was nominated by the Republicans as their 
candidate for Governor. General Joseph Hiester was selected by a 
dissaffected branch of the Republican party, styled Old School Men, to 
oppose him, who was supported also by the Federalists. The result 
was a triumph for Findlay, who was elected by a majority of over 
seven thousand votes. 

In 1820, Governor Findlay again received the unanimous nomina- 
tion of the Republicans for re-election, and Joseph Heister was nomi- 
nated as before by the Republicans of the Old School, and was sup- 
ported by the Federalists en masse. Under the Constitution of 1790, 
the patronage of the Executive was immense. To him was given the 
power of appointing, with few exceptions, every state and county 
officer. This power, considered so dangerous that, by the Constitu- 
tion of 1838 and subsequent amendments, the Executive has been 
stripped of it almost entirely, was, in fact, dangerous only to the Gov- 
ernor himself. For while he might attach one person to him by 
making an appointment, the score or two who were disappointed 
became, if not active political opponents, at least lukewarm friends. 
Many trained and skilful politicians had been alienated from the sup- 
port of Governor Findlay by their inability to share or control patron- 
age. The result was the election of his opponent. 

At the general elections of 1821, the Republicans regained ascen- 
dency in the Legislature. At the session of 1821-22, while Governor 
Findlay was quietly spending the winter with a friend and relative in 
Franklin county, he received notice that he had been elected to the 
Senate of the United States for the full term of six years from the pre- 
ceding 4th of March. He Immediately set out tor the capital, where 
he took his seat and served the entire term with distinguished ability. 
While he was in the Senate, two of his brothers. Colonel John Findlay, 
of Chambersburg, and General James Findlay, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 
were members of the National House of Representatives. We are 
reminded by the following paragraph from the Harrisburg Intelligencer, 
of 1824, that travel to and from the capital then, even from con- 
tiguous states, was by no means so rapid and convenient as now; 



I 54 MEN OF MARK. 

" Mr. Findlay, of the United States Senate, also, left this place for 
Washington yesterday, by way of Baltimore, in a gig." 

After the expiration of his senatorial term he was appointed by Presi- 
dent Jackson Treasurer of the United States Mint at Philadelphia. This 
office he held until the accession of General Harrison to the Presidency, 
when, unwilling at his advanced age to be longer burdened with its 
cares and responsibilities, he resigned. The remainder of his life was 
spent in retirement with the family of his son-in-law. Governor Shunk, 
at whose residence, in Harrisburg, he died on the 12th of November, 
1846, in the seventy-ninth year of his age. 

In person. Governor Findlay was tall, with fair complexion and dark 
brown hair. He had a vigorous constitution and a cheerful disposition. 
He was affable and courteous in his address, fond of conversation, but 
did not monopolize it. He understood and practised the habits of a 
good listener. He exhibited great tact in drawing out the reserved 
and taciturn, and enabling them to figure well in conversation by 
giving rein to their hobbies. He possessed a remarkably tenacious 
memory of names and faces. After a long separation he could 
recognize and call by name a person with whom he had had but a short 
and casual interview. His acquaintance was probably more extensive, 
and his personal friends more numerous, than those of almost any 
other public man of his day. 

In his domestic relations he was most exemplary, an affectionate 
husband and the best of fathers. He was pre-eminently an unselfish 
man. He was charitable in the largest sense. Thinking no evil him- 
self, his unsuspecting benevolence was often imposed upon. He was 
a Christian in faith and practice. Baptised and brought up in the 
Presbyterian Church, he accepted its standards, and respected and 
hospitably entertained its ministers. In his inaugural address as Gov- 
ernor, in enumerating the duties which should be required of public 
servants, he included that of cherishing "by their example, the purity 
and beauty of the religion of the Redeemer." 




HON. JOSEPH RITNER. 

|OSEPH RITNER, the eighth and last Governor under the 
Constitution of 1790, from December 15th, 1835, ^^ January 
15th, 1839, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, on the 
25th of March, 1780. 

His father was John Ritner, who emigrated from Alsace, on the 
Rhine. During his early years Joseph was employed upon his father's 
farm. The only school advantage which he ever enjoyed was during 
a period of si.\ months in a primary school at the early age of six 
years. At the age of sixteen he removed to Cumberland county, and 
was employed as a labourer upon the farm of Jacob Myers, near New- 
ville. In the year 1800, he married Susan Alter, of Cumberland 
county. Their offspring were six sons and three daughters. Soon 
after their marriage they removed to Westmoreland county, and finally 
became settled upon a farm belonging to the wife's uncle, David Alter, 
in Washington county. What was unusual for farmers of that day, the 
uncle possessed a good library. The books were principally German 
works of a substantial character. Gifted with strong native sense, and 
a wonderfully retentive memory, this library proved to him a mine of 
wealth. Here, during his leisure hours, he delved, and what was want- 
ing of privilege in school instruction, he, by diligence, himself supplied, 
affording a perpetual example to the young, of the fruits of industry 
and perseverance. 

In 1820, Mr. Ritner was elected a member of the House of Repre- 
sentatives, from Washington county, and served in that capacity for a 
period of six years. In 1824, he was elected Speaker of that body, and 
was re-elected in the following year. In 1829, he received the nomina- 
tion for Governor in opposition to George Wolf It was a period of 
much excitement respecting secret societies, and great antipathy was 
exhibited towards them, especially the Masonic fraternity. So strong 
was this feeling that a political party was built upon it, known as the 
Anti-Masonic, and by this party Ritner was supported. He received 
a handsome vote, but was defeated. In 1832, he was again put in 
nomination, and though again defeated, made a great gain over his 
former vote. He was for a third time nominated in 1835, and was 
elected. 

Ever the firm and devoted friend of the common-school system down 



156 MEN OF MAKK. 

to the close of his Hfe he manifested a lively interest in this system, 
attending Teachers' Institutes in the county where he lived, and acting 
as presiding officer when upon the verge of eighty. In 1861, the Nor- 
mal School at Edinboro', Erie county, was recognized and adopted by 
the State. Dr. Burrowes, who was then Superintendent, appointed his 
old friend and associate of a preceding generation, as one of the 
inspectors. Though then at the age of eighty-three he accepted the 
appointment, and made that long journey of more than five hundred 
miles by rail and stage, with the alacrity and pleasure of a boy of six- 
teen. And when he appeared upon the platform of the great hall of 
the Institute, in the presence of a concourse of upturned faces, it 
could but e.xcite tears of o-ratitude, that his life had been almost 
miraculously lengthened out to see the day when a great institution 
devoted to the preparation of common-school teachers, a crowning 
feature of that system, should be inaugurated upon a spot which 
was an unbroken wilderness when the law was originally passed in 
his administration. 

Governor Ritner always regarded his connection with the school 
system with singular satisfaction, and viewed the consummation of 
its adoption as the crowning glory of his administration. Even the 
progress which was made during the three years in which he occu- 
pied the chair of state was a subject of congratulation, which he thus 
presents in his last Annual Message to the Legislature : " The condi- 
tion of the means provided by the State for general education is so 
flourishing, that little is required to be done by the present Legislature. 
Within three years the permanent State appropriation to this object 
has been increased from ^75,000 annually to $400,000. Nor will this 
large outlay have been without its fruits. Instead of seven hundred 
and sixty-two common schools in operation at the end of the year 1835, 
and about seventeen academies, (the latter in a state of almost doubt- 
ful existence,) with no female seminaries fostered by the State, she has 
now five thousand common schools, thirty-eight academies, and seven 
female academies in active and permanent operation, disseminating the 
principles of literature, science, and virtue over the land. In addition 
to these, there are many schools, academies, and female seminaries of 
a private character, equally useful and deserving in their proper 
sphere." 

Secretary Burrowes, cx-officio Superintendent of Common Schools, in 
his report to the Legislature at the same time that this message was 
delivered, pays the following just tributes : "The undersigned cannot 
close this report without bearing testimony to one fact alike honourable 



HON. JOSEPH RITNER. I ^ 7 

to the State and advantageous to the system. In his whole experience 
the blighting touch of party politics has never been detected upon it. 
All seem to forget their every-day differences, and to meet unitedly on 
this, as on a Sabbath ground of devotion to the public good. In no 
station of life has this right feeling been more obvious than among those 
in power. When the agitating divisions of the day shall have sunk into 
comparative insignificance, and names be only repeated in connection 
with some great act of public benefaction, those of George Wolf and 
Joseph Ritner will be classed by Pennsylvania among the noblest on 
her long list; the one for his early and manly advocacy, and the other 
for his well-timed and determined support of the Free School." 

In the expression of his opinions in his messages upon national 
affairs, Governor Ritner was bold and outspoken, however unpalatable 
they might be to those whom he meant to reach. Upon the subject of 
slavery in any part of the national domain he uttered his condemna- 
tion in such clear and ringing tones that it arrested the attention of the 
philanthropist and the lover of freedom wherever it was read. His 
message of 1836 called forth from the Quaker poet, Whittier, the fol- 
lowing spirit-stirring lyric : 

Thank God for the token ! — one lip is still free — 
One spirit untrammeled — unbending one knee ! 
Like the oak of the mountain, deep-rooted and firm, 
Erect, when the multitude bends to the storm ; 
When traitors to Freedom, and Honour, and God, 
Are bowed at an Idol, polluted with blood ; 
When the recreant North has forgotten her trust 
And the lip of her honour is low in the dust — 
Thank God, that one arm from the shackle has broken ! 
Thank God, that one man as a freeman has spoken ! 

O'er thy crags, Allegheny, a blast has been blown ! 
Down thy tide, Susquehanna," the murmur has gone I 
To the land of the South— of the charter and chain — 
Of Liberty sweetened with slavery's pain ; 
Where the cant of Democracy dwells on the lips 
Of the forgers of fetters, and wielders of whips ! 
Where " chivalric " honour means really no more 
Than scourging of women and robbing the poor ! 
Where the Moloch of Slavery sitteth on high, 
And the words which he utters, are — Worship or die ! 

Right onward, oh, speed it ! Wherever the blood 
Of the wronged and the guiltless is crying to God ; 
Wherever a slave in his fetters is pining; 
Wherever the lash of the driver is twining ; 



1^8 MEN OF MARK. 

Wherever from kindred, torn rudely apart, 

Comes the sorrowful wail of the broken of heart ; 

Wherever the shackles of tyranny bind. 

In silence and darkness the God-given mind ; 

There, God speed it onward ! — its truth will be felt — 

The bonds shall be loosened — the iron shall melt ! 

And oh, will the land where the free soul of Penn 
Still lingers and breathes over mountain and glen — 
Will the land where a Benezet's spirit went forth 
To the peeled, and the meted and outcast of Earth — 
Where the words of the Charter of Liberty first 
From the soul of the sage and the patriot burst — 
Where first for the wronged and the weak of their kind 
The Christian and statesman their efforts combined — ■ 
Will that land of the free and the good wear a chain ? 
Will the call to the rescue of Freedom be vain ? 

No, RiTNER ! — her " Friends " at thy warning shall stand 
Erect for the truth, like their ancestral band ; 
Forgetting the feuds and the strife of past time, 
Counting coldness injustice, and silence a crime ; 
Turning back from the cavils of creeds, to unite 
Once again for the poor in defence of the right ; 
Breasting calmly, but firmly, the full tide of wrong. 
Overwhelmed but not borne on its surges along; 
Unappalled by the danger, the shame, and the pain, 
And counting each trial for truth as their gain ! 

And that bold-hearted yeomanry, honest and true. 
Who, haters of fraud, give to labour its due ; 
Whose fathers of old, sang in concert with thine. 
On the banks of Swatara the songs of the Rhine — 
The German-born pilgrims, who first dared to brave 
The scorn of the proud in the cause of the slave : — 
Will the sons of such men yield the lords of the South 
One brow for the brand — for the padlock one mouth ? 
They cater to tyrants? — They rivet the chain. 
Which their fathers smote off, on the negro again ? 

No, never ! — one voice, like the sound in the cloud. 
When the roar of the storm waxes loud and more loud, 
Wherever the foot of the freeman hath pressed 
From the Delaware's marge, to the Lake of the West, 
On the south-going breezes shall deepen and grow. 
Till the land it sweeps over shall tremble below ! 
The voice of a People — uprisen — -awake — 
Pennsylvania's watchword, with Freedom at stake. 
Thrilling up from each valley, flung down from each height, 
" Our Country and Liberty ! — God for the Right !" 



HON. JOSEPH RITNER. I gg 

At the expiration of his term of office Governor Ritner returned to 
private life, taking up his residence near Mount Rock, in the county of 
Cumberland. Possessed of a strong constitution and a powerful frame, 
he rarely complained of sickness, his system seeming to be proof 
against the ordinary inroads of disease. In 1840, however, he was 
attacked by cataract in both eyes, from the effect of which he was for 
some time entirely blind. By an operation performed upon the right 
eye, sight was completely restored so that he was able to read with 
ease the finest print. So painful was the operation that no considera- 
tion could induce him to submit to one upon the left, and that remained 
sightless to the day of his death. 

He continued to take a lively interest in politics, and rarely failed to 
deposit his vote in the ballot-box in every important election. In 1848 
he was nominated by President Taylor, Director of the Mint at Phila- 
delphia, in which capacity he served for a short time ; but before his 
nomination was acted on by the Senate, President Taylor died, and he 
retired, to make room for the favourite of President Fillmore. He was 
a delegate from Pennsylvania to the National Convention which nomi- 
nated John C. Fremont for Pesident, and to the close of his life con- 
tinued an active and ardent Republican. 

Governor Ritner was endowed with a mind of great native 
strength. The faculty of memory was almost miraculous, for he seemed 
never to forget a name, an event, a date, or a fact. The impressions 
of his early and active life were retained with remarkable clearness, 
and he could recall occurrences in his official life, and repeat debates 
with surprising accuracy. He was remarkably temperate in all his 
habits, never using in any form tobacco or spirituous liquors. He was 
a man of strong convictions, and his opinions when once formed were 
rarely changed. His conscientiousness naturally inclined him to caution, 
and every subject requiring his decision received mature deliberation. 
He fortunately lived long enough to see many of the cardinal princi- 
ples which he had advocated become the fundamental law of the land, 
and time, which " at last sets all things even," vindicated the soundness 
of his judgment. He died on the i6th day of October, 1869, in the 
ninetieth year of his age. His life was prolonged beyond that of any 
other Governor of Pennsylvania, though associated in this office with 
rnen wonderfully long-lived. 




SAMUEL WYLIE CRAWFORD, D. D. 

^AMUEL WYLIE CRAWFORD, D. D., was born in Charles- 
ton, South Carohna, January 7th, 1793. He was descended 
from Scotch ancestry, and from a family distinguished for their 
.various services in the annals of Scotland. 

He received his education in Philadelphia, and was graduated at the 
University of Pennsylvania in 181 6. He commenced the study of 
medicine under the care of Dr. Samuel .Smith, but soon relinquished 
it, and entered on the study of Theology under the Rev. Dr. Wylie, 
Professor of Divinity in the Reformed Presbyterian Church, and was 
licensed in 1818. 

In connection with preaching, Mr. Crawford taught the English and 
Mathematical department of Grey and Wylie's Academy, until 1822, 
when he was sent by his Presbytery to Northern New York, and was 
ordained at Duanesburg, May 15th, 1823. 

In June, 1824, he accepted an unanimous call from a congregation in 
P^ranklin county, Penn., and was installed their pastor in August of the 
same year. 

This congregation was composed of members living in four localities, 
Fayetteville, Scotland, Waynesboro' and Greencastle. 

At Greencastle and Waynesboro' the Presbyterian churches were 
used to hold the services in, and at Scotland and Fayetteville the school 
houses. 

Mr. John Thompson, one of the elders of the congregation, living 
near Scotland, having offered to give the ground on which to build a 
church, Mr. Crawford's family connections in Philadelphia and New 
York, contributed the amount necessary, with the e.xception of some 
small subscripdons made by the Presbyterians in the neighbourhood of 
Scotland, and some work done by members. The present stone church 
was erected, and though belonging to the Reformed Presbyterian body, 
is, when not occupied by them, open to Presbyterian clergymen for the 
performance of religious services. The members were descendants of 
early settlers of Franklin county ; the Thomsons, Renfrews, Burnses, 
Kennedys, &c., men of character and standing, some of whom served 
their country during the Revolutionary war, and some during the war 
of 1812. 

The peculiar principles which the Reformed Presbyterians held (in- 



SAMUEL WYLIE CRAWFORD, D. D. l6i 

stilled into their minds by their Covenanter ancestors) on the subjects 
of Slavery, Psalmody, Covenanting, close communion, and civil govern- 
ment, prevented any intimate ecclesiastical relations with the Presby- 
terians, though as individuals there were among them many strong 
friendships. 

Mr. Crawford resided for a time on Federal Hill, near Chambers- 
burg, but the distance from the majority of his charge was too great, 
and he bought a farm tour miles east of Chambersburg, near Payette- 
ville and removed to it in 1824. 

Scarcely had he made the change when his house, which had been 
thoroughly refitted, was burned to the ground and most of its contents 
destroyed. This calamity rendered another change necessary, and his 
family went to New York while he remained to superintend the building 
of another home. 

He consented at this time to take charge of the Chambersburg 
Academy, which he taught until the fall of 1830, when he resigned it, 
and demitted the charge of the Conococheague congregation to accept 
an offer from the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania to become 
the Principal of the Academical Department of that institution, which 
had been founded by Franklin. In this position Mr. Crawford was 
eminently successful, and the Academy soon assumed the highest 
grade, hundreds of young men having been prepared for different 
colleges, and not one of his pupils offered for examination ever having 
been rejected. Many of them have risen to positions of honour and 
trust as statesmen, and as soldiers, and in the different professions, and 
have often traced their success in after years to the care and training 
they had received from their revered preceptor. 

Mr. Crawford was the Moderator of the Synod of 1832, when the 
division took place (on the question of civil government) in the 
Reformed Presbyterian Church, and presided with dignity and judg- 
ment through very exciting scenes. He also installed the Rev. j. N. 
McLeod as successor to his father, Dr. Alexander McLeod, in New 
York city. This was soon after the division, and the question of church 
property not having been decided, there was an attempt made by the 
seceding party to hold the church, resulting in great excitement and 
almost uproar during which Mr. Crawford, though threatened with per- 
sonal violence, proceeded with the installation service to its close, with 
determined courage. 

In the beginning of his ministry Mr. C. was in the habit of preaching 
to the inmates of the Walnut street prison, Philadelphia, and became 
so interested in this work that on his return to the city, he, for several 



1 62 MEN OF MARK. 

years, preached regularly in the Eastern Penitentiary and House of 
Refuge, visiting the cells and conversing with the prisoners. And 
very often through the week his afternoons were devoted to this good 
work, which he felt sure was blessed to the solitary inmates. 

In July, 1835, a congregation composed of members from Dr. Wylie's 
congregation, and others, was organized at Fairmount, then a suburb 
of Philadelphia, and called Mr. C. to be their pastor. He accepted, 
and discharged the duties of this charge in connection with his Acade- 
mical duties for eleven years, when, his health failing from over exer- 
tion, he was obliged to resign. This congregation built for him the 
church at the corner of Twenty-Third and Callowhill streets. From the 
small beginning of nineteen members it had increased to a membership 
of more than one hundred, and had a large and flourishing Sabbath 
school. Mr. C. had laboured among this people with his whole soul 
was deeply attached to them, and left them with great regret. 

The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on Mr. C. in 1844 
by the Indiana University, at Bloomington. This University subse- 
quently invited Dr. Crawford to be its President, which, though appre- 
ciating the honour, he was obliged to decline. 

After an interval of more than a year, having regained his health, 
some of the members of Dr. Crawford's Fairmount church separated 
themselves from that connection, and with others were formed into a 
new organization over which Dr. C. was called to minister. This con- 
eregration erected a church edifice at the corner of Filbert and Seven- 
teenth streets, Philadelphia. He remained with them until 1856, when 
his failing health made it imperative for him to leave the city. To 
both of these churches Dr. Crawford contributed largely of his means; 
and the attachment of the people to him was great, and fully recipro- 
cated by him. In all his church relations he was earnestly seconded by 
his wife, whose sympathetic heart, active benevolence, and strong good 
sense made her well beloved and affectionately remembered by many. 

Dr. Crawford for several years filled the chair of Church History 
and Pastoral Theology in the Theological Seminary, and, for two or 
three years after Dr. Wylie's death, the Professorship of Divinity ; Dr. 
Wylie's son filling the chair of History. 

In a list of facts one fails to convey to the reader the influence which 
such a man as Dr. Crawford exerts by his decision of character, scholar- 
ship, integrity, fine presence, warm sympathy, elegant culture, gener- 
osity and hospitality. During the greater part of his ministry he 
received his salary only to return it, or to use it for the various 
benevolent objects, brought so constantly to his notice. He was con- 



SAMUEL WYLIE CRA WFORD, D. D. I (y^^ 

nected with the different benevolent societies now to be met with in all 
communities; organized a juvenile missionary society, which was the 
instrument of doing much good, and was honoured by God in being 
made the instrument of bringing many to a knowledge of the truth. 

Upon the breaking out of the war Dr. Crawford was earnest in his 
patriotic support of the government. He saw that the issue forced by 
the South involved the very existence of the great principle for which 
he had contended through his whole life — the abolition of slavery — and 
he threw his whole soul into the struggle. Not content with seeing- 
his three sons and son-in-law in the Union army, he sought and 
obtained a Chaplaincy for himself, and was only prevented from enter- 
ing upon its duties by advancing age. Upon the passage of Lee's 
army through Chambersburg to Gettysburg, he remained at his home 
alone, and never shrank from asserting his principles and patriotism 
even when surrounded by the rebel host. 

Dr. Crawford still lingers among us, though burdened with the in- 
creasing infirmities of advanced life. His former pupils entertain for 
him high veneration, and he enjoys the marked esteem of the entire 
church, of which he was the honoured, eloquent and influential minister, 
as well as the profound respect of the communities in which he has 
so long lived and laboured. 

Dr. Crawford still lives at his retired and attractive home near to 
Fayetteville, retaining much cheerfulness even under the infirmities of 
four score years. Throughout his whole career he has been noted for 
his promptness and firmness in advocating the right and opposing what 
he considered wrong. 




HENRY R. WILSON, D. D. 

HE REV. HENRY R. WILSON, was born in the neighbour- 
hood of Gettysburg, Adams county, Pa., on the 7th of August, 
1 780. He was graduated at Dickinson College, Carlisle, 
whilst the venerable Charles Nisbet, D. D., presided over that 
institution, in the days of its prosperity. He was licensed to preach 
by the Presbytery of Carlisle in 1801. After labouring for some 
months in Virginia, as a supply, he removed with his family to Belle- 
fonte. Centre county, Pa., where Presbyterians had neither organized 
church nor house of worship. He commenced preaching in the Court 
House. His labours were greatly blessed in gathering here a church, 
as also another at Lick Run, twelve miles distant. Over these 
congregations he was installed pastor by the Presbytery of Huntingdon, 
in 1802. 

In 1806, Mr. Wilson was chosen, at the early age of twenty-six, to 
fill the Professorship of Languages in Dickinson College. A part of 
the time, during his connection with the college, he preached to the 
Presbyterian Church ol Carlisle, as colleague with President Davidson. 
In 1814, a call was presented to him by the congregation of Silvers' 
Spring, which he accepted. 

In 1823, Dr. Wilson received a call from the church in Shippens- 
burg. During his ministry there, the church enjoyed some precious 
seasons of refreshing, "and many were added unto the Lord." He was 
Indefatigable and abundant in labours. 

In 1838, Dr. Wilson was chosen the first General Agent of the 
Board of Publication, in which station he laboured arduously until 
1842, when he resigned his office in that Board, and accepted a call 
from the church at Neshamony, at Hartsville, Bucks county, Pa. Here, 
with his accustomed fidelity, he continued to discharge the duties of 
pastor until the month of October, 1848, when, at his own request, the 
pastoral relation was dissolved. 

For some months previous his health had become so infirm that he 
was seldom able to preach, except when carried from his bed to the 
church and placed in a chair, in which posture he delivered his message 
amidst much bodily weakness and suffering, but with his usual clear- 
ness of mind and earnestness of manner. 

Dr. Wilson's health continued to decline, notwithstanding the 



HENRY R. WILSON, D. D. 1 65 

cessation of his ministerial labours. After a sore conflict of forty-six 
hours, he died in Philadelphia on the morning of Thursday, the 2 2d of 
March, 1849, ^"^ was interred the day following, at Hartsville, the 
scene of his closing labours in the ministry. An appropriate discourse 
was delivered on the occasion by the Rev. Dr. Steel, of Abington, and 
the sympathies and affections of the people of his recent charge were 
abundantly shown toward one whom, though absent, they had not 
ceased to regard and love as their pastor. 

The life of Dr. Wilson was an eventful one. More can be said of 
him than that he passed through scenes of some interest, grew old, 
and then died. From his earliest labours in the Gospel there was 
demand for a steadiness of purpose, and an energy of execution, that 
not every man is equal to. 

The influence of such a man in the church we cannot duly estimate. 
He was a pioneer in the cause of the Gospel in central Pennsylvania, 
and his labours essentially contributed to lay firm and deep the founda- 
tions of those churches that adorn and bless the regions of his earliest 
toil. Ministers of Dr. Wilson's character stamp an impression upon 
the times in which they live. They give a fixedness to the order, the 
government, the instruction and standard of piety in the church, by 
which they, being dead, yet speak. 

The ministerial labours of this venerable man were abundant. His 
preaching was in character with the man. It came down from a 
former generation, with all that seriousness of manner and weight of 
instruction that are the fairest ornaments of the Christian pulpit. His 
whole deportment and performance may truly be said to have been 
characterized by simplicity and godly sincerity. Eminently instructive, 
his preaching always made the impression, " these things are so, and 
religion is a serious and important matter." 

Few men were less influenced in their ministerial work by changing 
circumstances, than Dr. Wilson. Whether the congregation was large 
or small, whether prosperity attended his steps, or disappointment was 
his portion, not in these was he to find the measure or the motive of 
his labours. He felt himself to be of that number to whom it has been 
commanded, " Go and preach," and whose the promise is, " Lo, I am 
with you alway." Not the increase, but the luork was his. Not the 
measure of his success, but the command of Christ, and the assurance 
that God would bless and prosper his own truth — this was the rule and 
the measure of his toil. 

Thus he lived, a laborious and eminently useful preacher of the 
11 



1 66 MEN OF MARK. 

Gospel, the crown of his family, and an ornament to the ministry of 
reconciliation. 

Thus he died, amidst great bodily suffering, with the language of 
praise upon his lips. Not weary with his ministerial labours, and his 
conflicts as a sinner saved, but in obedience to the Master's call, " It is 
enough, come up higher," he bade the world adieu, with a hope full of 
immortality, most beloved by those who knew him best, and lamented 
by all pious men of every name. 




^/i^- 



REV. ROBERT KENNEDY. 




HE REV. ROBERT KENNEDY was born in Lancaster 
county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of July, 1778. His grand- 
father, William Kennedy, with his brother Robert, emigrated 
from Ireland to this country in 1730, and settled in Bucks county, 
Pennsylvania. Robert had a son, William, who was a Major in the 
Revolutionary Army, and was killed by the tories near the com- 
mencement of the war. Some members of that branch of the family 
continued to reside in the Northern Liberties of Philadelphia up to 
1836. William Kennedy, the brother of Robert, and grandfather of 
the subject of this memoir, had four sons — Thomas, James, Robert and 
John — and three daughters. James, the second son, was married in 
1 761 to Jane Maxwell, daughter of John Maxwell, and sister of 
General Maxwell of Revolutionary memory. They had twelve children, 
of whom Robert, afterwards the Rev. Robert Kennedy, was the ninth. 

Of the early history of young Kennedy, the writer has no further 
information than that he received his elementary and classical educa- 
tion under the direction of a Mr. Grier, probably the Rev. Nathan 
Grier, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Brandywine Manor, Chester 
county, Pa., and that tradition reports him to have been a youth of 
steady habits. He made a profession of religion in the church at 
Pequea, in his native county, but at what time is not known. His 
collegiate education was received at Dickinson College, Carlisle, where 
he graduated, September 20th, i 797, as the Rev. Dr. McGinley says ; 
" the best scholar in his class." He studied theology with the Rev. 
Nathanael Sample, then pastor of the congregations of Lancaster and 
Middle Octorara. It was customary for young gentlemen looking to 
the ministry at that time, thus to prepare for their chosen work under 
private instruction, as Theological Seminaries had not then come into 
existence. And it may not be questioned that much as this method of 
preparation lacked the variety of modern facilities, it had some peculiar 
advantages. Being in due time introduced to the Presbyter)' of New 
Castle by Mr. Sample, Mr. Kennedy was taken under their care as a 
candidate for the Gospel ministry on the 12th of June, 1798, and on the 
20th of August, 1 799, he was licensed at Upper Octorara to preach the 



I 68 MEN OF MARK. 

gospel. At the request of the church of tliat place, he was appointed 
by the Presbytery to supply them half of the time for six months. At 
the close of this time, by the leave of Presbytery, he traveled without 
their bounds, and spent the greater part of the time in supplying vacant 
churches in the Presbytery of Carlisle. 

On the 30th of September, 1800, Mr. Kennedy was dismissed by the 
Presbytery of New Castle to put himself under the care of the 
Presbytery of Carlisle, and was received by this latter Presbytery on 
the 7th of October, 1800. On the 9th of September, 1802, a call was 
put into his hands from the united congregations of East and Lower 
West Conococheague, known as Green Castle and Welsh Run,* which 
call he accepted; and, on the 13th of August, 1S03, the ecclesiastical 
banns having been published according to the custom of the time,-j- he 
was ordained to the office of the holy ministry, and installed the pastor 
of said churches. In these churches he continued to labour until the 
9th of April, 1 81 6, when, at his request, the pastoral relation between 
him and them was dissolved. His action in relation to this matter was 
believed by many to have been too hasty, as the circumstances were 
altogether insufficient to authorize so important a step. A very fulsome 
obituary notice of a young man of the congregation, who had been an 
officer in the army during the war which had just closed, had been 
published in some of the papers in that vicinity. Mr. Kennedy enter- 
tained a high regard for the character of the young man, but thought 
the production in very bad taste. .Some one was so unfortunate as to 
misunderstand his views, and represented the matter to the family of 
the deceased in such a manner as to wound their feelings. Some 
remarks, also, which he made from the pulpit on a day of especial 
observance, were interpreted by prejudiced politicians as having a party 
aspect, and these things were caught up and repeated by the gossiping 
members of his church, in every circle in which they moved. Mr. 
Kennedy hearing them, and being of a sensitive nature, without con- 

* See Historical Sketch. 

■j- The c.ill in which there is pledged " the sum of one hundred and thirty-three pounds, six shillings and 
eight pence yearly," is signed by James Mitchell, Alexander Gordon, Robert Marshall, Thomas Johnston, 
Thomas Mason, David Denwiddie, James Wilson, Joseph Davison, George Brown, Andrew Denison, 
James Downey, Sr., Nathaniel Martin, Thomas Waddell, Archibald Rankin, James Poe, William Bleakney, 
John Kennedy, William Scott, David Rankin, James Moore, John Lawrence, John Hargrave, Andrew 
Robinson, James Patton, John Edmiston, Isaac Far, Elias Davison, James McCleno, James Watson, 
Edward Wishard, Thomas Wallace, Robert Robinson, John M. Davison, James Johnston, Abraham Smith, 
William Allison, James McLenahan, Jr., John Johnston, John John, Huj,'h McKec, James Downey, Jr., 
Robert Davison, [ohn Watson, Thomas Brown, Robert Crunkilton, John McClary, Peter .Shields, James 
McCrea, Alexander McC'utchen, Samuel McCutchen, Samuel Crunkilton, Samuel McCutchen, I'atrick ' 
Long, Nathan McDowall. The lineal descendants of the signers of this document may be found in nearly 
evei7 state south and west of this point, many of them occupying positions of responsibility and honour. 



REV. ROBERT KENNEDY. 169 

suiting any of his friends, announced to his congregation, after preaching 
on the Sabbath, that he would apply to the Presbytery, at its next 
meeting, for a dissokition of his pastoral relation to his congregation. 
By the persuasion of his friends, however, when the matter became 
known, the application was either not made to the Presbytery, or, if 
made, was withdrawn. But he made an application to the Presbytery, 
at their meeting on the 9th of April, 181 6, and his pastoral relation 
was dissolved. 

"From the beginning of Mr. Kennedy's ministry," says the Rev. J. 
W, Wightman,* "the congregation seems to have been in a prosperous 
condition. The dangers of the frontier had been removed. The set- 
tlement was at rest and the population was increasing. And as a con- 
sequence, the congregation under the efficient ministry of Mr. Kennedy 
was speedily so strengthened in numbers, that to provide room for 
them, it became necessary to enlarge the church." Mr. Wightman also 
says, in referring to a classical school which, at that time, was con- 
ducted in the old "Study House" by a Mr. Boreland : — "This school 
was tenderly cared for by Mr. Kennedy, who was a man of sound and 
thorough scholarship, and who used his influence through his whole life 
to have young men equip themselves well for any good work." 

During the month of May, 1816, Mr. Kennedy removed with his 
family to Cumberland, Mar\'land, where he had been invited to preach 
to a small church, and take the charge of the Academy. Upon his 
arrival there, he delivered an address before the Board of Trustees of 
the Academy, which was so favourably received that a copy of it was 
requested by them for publication. His geographical position, at the 
extreme western border of the Presbytery, cut off from intercourse 
with his ministerial brethren, left him to act alone, without the counsel 
or sympathy of those with whom he had been accustomed to consult 
and act. His situation was calculated to produce discouragement, and 
at one time induced him to project the organization of a new Presbytery. 

In the midst of the loneliness of his position, however, he was not left 
without some token of the Divine favour. In 1820 his church and the 
town were visited with a precious revival of religion, during which a 
goodly number became subjects of Divine grace. But the next year, 
movements of a different character made their appearance. Theatri- 
cal exhibitions were introduced into the town by the young men of the 
place, to the great detriment of religion. Articles in their favour were 
written and published in the papers of the town. Mr. Kennedy fur- 



* Historical Discourse delivered in Presbyterian Church of Green Castle, Pennsylvania, May 9th, 1869. 



I 70 MEN OF MARK. 

nished anonymous articles in reply, and so scorching was one of them, 
that the name of the author was demanded, with threats of punishment 
when he should be discovered. The name was given with his consent, 
but although it created great excitement they did not carry their threats 
into effect Mr. Kennedy firmly maintained his ground, in which, to 
their honour be it recorded, he was sustained by the pious Methodists 
and Lutherans of the town. 

Finding that his salary from the church and the proceeds from the 
school were not enough to support his family and keep his son, John H., 
at the Theological Seminary at Princeton, he concluded to return to his 
former residence on a farm, within the bounds of the congregation of 
Welsh Run, which he did in the Spring of 1825. The church at Welsh 
Run beinsf vacant — Green Castle havingf secured the whole of the 
labours of a pastor — Mr. Kennedy preached to them as a stated supply, 
giving part of his time to the congregation at McConnelstown. He 
continued in charge of these two churches until 1833, when his labours 
were divided between the Welsh Run church and some of the small 
towns in the neighbourhood. As none of these congregations could 
afford to give him much of a salary, he supported his family by his own 
exertions on a farm. He was one of the first advocates of temperance 
in Franklin county. He never would sell any of his grain to distillers. 
And in order to show that the farmers were in error, in supposing that 
they could dispose of their small grains profitably only by converting 
them into whiskey, he purchased cattle and hogs and fattened them 
with such grains and products of the farm as would not bear the 
expense of transportation to the distant railroad market. He also 
established thehabit of cutting harvest without the use of liquor, against 
great opposition, both from the labourers and the farmers. At first it 
appeared as if he would lose his whole crop, on which his family 
depended, but he shouldered his cradle himself, assisted only by a hired 
lad of sixteen years, his little son of twelve, and a bound boy of eleven. 
After the first day, his daughter begged that she might be allowed to 
assist her father. This little party toiled on from day to day in the hot 
sun, without making much headway, until after the neighbours had cut 
their harvests, when they nobly came to his assistance, with their hands, 
and cut the whole of the remainder of his crop in one day. After the 
first year or two, he had no difficulty in getting as many hands as he 
required, and now no person in that neighbourhood thinks of taking 
liquor to the harvest-field. 

Mr. Kennedy was twice married. His first wife, to whom he was 
united February 17th, 1801, was Jane Herron, sister of Rev. Dr. 



REV. ROBERT KENNEDY. j^l 

Herron, formerly pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, 
Pa. She died May 31st, 1803. By her he had two sons, one of whom 
John H. Kennedy, became a minister in the Presbyterian. Church.'-' 
He was married a second time, the 5th of June, 1806, to Mary David- 
son, daughter of EHas Davidson, of FrankHn county, Pa., by whom he 
had ten children, all of whom, but one son, are now dead. James 
Maxwell Kennedy, who married Sibilla S. Morris, daughter of Evan 
Morris, of Chester Co., Pa., and who was a gentleman of fine personal 
appearance, elegant and accomplished manners, and popular and dis- 
tinguished as a dry goods merchant, died in Philadelphia, March 9th, 
1848, leaving two children, Herbert Morris Kennedy and Amelia 
Theresa Kennedy. Elias Davidson Kennedy, the only survivor of 
the family, resides in the same city, and, as the reference made to him 
in the " Historical Sketch," in connection with the " Robert Kennedy 
Memorial Church," indicates, has shown a grateful appreciation of his 
deceased father's memory. His wife is a great grand-daughter of 
Matthew Shields, of St. Thomas, Franklin county, Pa., a gentleman 
belonging to a very respectable Presbyterian family, whose daughter 
Agnes, married William Clarke, of Cannonsburg, son of Thomas Clarke, 
of Chadsford, on the Brandywine creek, and whose oldest son, Thomas 
Shields Clarke, born at Cannonsburg, January i8th, 1801, after a very 
active and Industrious life, particularly distinguishing himself in the 
transportation business, died at Pittsburgh, October 19th, 1867, leav- 
ing two children, Charles J. Clarke, and Mrs. Agnes Shields Kennedy, 
wife of Elias D. Kennedy. 

In stature the Rev. Robert Kennedy was of medium size, slender, 
and of fair complexion, blue eyes, and very near-sighted. He was 
industrious, plain and unostentatious in all his habits. He was a man 
of vigorous intellect, and a fine scholar, especially in classical literature. 
He took a great interest in the success of Marshall College, which the 
following note will show was appreciated : 

"GoETHEAN Hall, May gth, 1836. 
"Rev. Robert Kennedy. 

^^ Respected Sir: — 

"You are, without doubt, aware that a custom generally obtains amongst literary 
societies, of electing as honourary members, such persons as are distinguished for their 
literary taste and attainments. In accordance with this custom the ' Goethean Literary 
Society of Marshall College,' located at Mercersburg, Franklin county. Pa., entertaining 
a high opinion of your character as a gentleman, and duly appreciating your taste for 
literature and your devotedness to this cause, has taken the liberty to enrol your name 

* See his sketch in another part of the volume. 



ly: 



MEN OF MARK. 



on the list of her honourary members, and instructed the undersigned committee to 
communicate intelligence of this transaction. We are aware, that it is only by securifig 
the influence and co-operation of such individuals as yourself, that we can give character 
and stability to our society, and whilst it affords us pleasure to be her organs on the 
present occasion, and whilst we are sensible the society has no other claims than such as 
are based upon your general devotion to the interests of literatiire, we trust that you 
will not only pardon the liberty she has taken, but willingly accept of her small token 
of respect. 

" Wishing you health, prosperity and ((jntinued success in your literary pursuits, we 
have the honour to be, respected sir, 

"Yours, respectfully, 

■• H. |. BROWN, ) 
.\. H. KREMER, \ Committee of the G. L. Society." 
M. KIKFFER, ) 

As a preacher Mr. Kennedy stood high in a Presbytery in which he 
had as compeers some ol the ablest men in the Presbyterian Church. 
" His sermons," says Dr. Elliott, " were full of solid evangelical matter, 
well arranged, and forcibly expressed, were written in full, committed to 
memory, and delivered without notes. His style was earnest and 
persuasive, and he rarely failed to secure the fixed and sustained atten- 
tion of his audience." The Rev. A. A. McGinley, D. I)., another of 
Mr. Kennedy's co-presbyters lor many years, says : "As a preacher he 
had few superiors. The plan of his discourses was as clear as the sun. 
He could pour a flood of light on almost every subject he discussed, 
and there was much pleasure and profit in attending to his sermons. 
They were always orthodox, always to the point, always instructive, and 
frequently very impressive." The following concluding sentences from 
a sermon on the .Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, preached by Mr. 
Kennedy, at Welsh Run, and since published, will serve to show the 
fidelity and earnestness with which in the pulpit he urged men to the 
performance of their duty : 

" I have now endeavoured to state the case in a plain and serious 
manner. What resolutions, my brethren, have you formed ? Or what 
line of conduct do you intend to pursue 1 Are the arguments which 
have been mentioned, sufficient to convince you that you ought to do 
this in remembrance of Christ ? And are you resolved by the grace 
of God, that you will not be disobedient to the heavenly command ? 
Or are you determined to pay no attendon to these things, and to treat 
them with contempt? You probably think that you are the sons of 
liberty and the lords of reason, and look down with scorn upon the 
bigotry and superstition of the religious part of mankind. But sober 
reason, in my opinion, blushes at your conduct, and clearly points to 



REV. ROBERT KENNEDY. 



^I2y 



religion as its greatest perfection and brightest ornament. You may, 
indeed, live without religion, and perhaps even be happy, but if you 
should die without it, I shudder with horror to conceive the conse- 
quences. True religion is the iriend of sober reason, and the man who 
chooses them as his guide and comforter, shall be happy in time and 
through eternity, but he that sinneth against Christ, who is the wisdom 
of God, wrongeth his own soul, and all that hate Him love damnation. 

" Do any of you resolve, my brethren, that you will attend upon this 
ordinance, but decide to defer it to some future period? However 
foolish and unreasonable the excuse, it is so common and so often 
repeated, that I can scarcely think of any reply that will be likely to 
strike your attention. If the prison of hell were unveiled to your view, 
it would discover thousands who have made the same excuse, and who 
are now bound in everlasting chains of darkness and misery. It you 
are unfit for communion with God and his saints in this world, you 
must be unprepared to die, and unworthy ot heaven. And surely, this 
is not a situation in which you may content yourselves, to live year 
after year. The table of the Lord we expect will shortly be spread in 
this house, and elsewhere for our brethren of different persuasions. 
We are sent to invite you to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Lay 
aside, we beseech you, your pitiful excuses. Make yourselves ready 
for the feast. And may the Spirit of the living God enable you to come 
to it in a worthy and reverential manner." 

Not only was Mr. Kennedy, as already stated, a fine classic scholar, 
but, says the late Dr. Duffield, of Detroit, " he was also a man of real 
humour, keen wit, and not a little drollery. His sarcasm was delicate, 
pointed and always made a clear cut, like a sharp, smooth, highly 
sharpened razor." Living as he did during those times in which the 
whole Presbyterian Church was so deeply agitated with the schism 
which culminated in the unhappy division of 1837, ^^ ^^'s>, though quiet, 
modest and reserved, and generally disposed to eschew petty strifes 
ecclesiastical, brought into the discussions and agitations of that time. 
At the meeting of the Synod of Philadelphia, at Gettysburg, in 1834, 
the subject of the approval of the "Act and Testimony " coming under 
consideradon, he delivered a speech which was so much admired, that 
he was urged to let it appear in the Philadelphian, then edited by Dr. 
Ely, and finally consented to its pubHcation. The subjoined extract from 
the introductory portion of the speech, will show the peculiar character 
of his mind : 

" With becoming deference to the General Assembly, let us examine 
whether the high charges contained in the Act and Testimony are just 



I 74 MEN OF MARK. 

or not. It charges the Assembly with countenancing and sustaining 
alarming errors — yes, alarmmg errors. Now, sir, tliis Madam Alarm 
is as insidious an enemy as ever lived on the earth. You know how 
she deceived Demosthenes. At the batde of Cheronea, when Madam 
Alarm was driving him in full flight through the woods, his coat caught 
upon a thorn bush, and supposing it to be a Macedonian soldier he 
cried aloud to spare his life. 

" From this it appears that the wisest and even the bravest of men 
are not entirely secure from the delusions of Madam Alarm. But 
some men are much more liable to her impositions than others, and 
these are sometimes men of a high degree of refinement and integrity. 
Some of our city clergy who have more study than exercise, have such 
a nervous sensitiveness, that the slightest touch seems to go to their 
hearts. Now, when the edge of controversy is brought to operate 
upon their nervous system in such a state of excitability, it immediately 
throws them into the horrors. While in this unhappy condition, mere 
straws become stumbling blocks, and a bramble bush or even a shadow, 
seen through the fog of their gloomy imaginations, appears like hydras, 
and gorgons, and chimeras dire. And when the pinions of these 
unfortunate brethren are once erected, it is impossible to smooth them 
down, either by the exercise of their own reason, or by the assurances 
of others. Every attempt to calm their troubled spirits only increases 
the fever of their alarm. It matters not how good, and wise, and judi- 
cious they may be on other occasions, their alarm now operates as an 
inverting lens, which turns every object upside down, and exhibits 
before them the most frightful monsters. A curious anecdote illustra- 
tive of this, is related in Cook's Voyages. When the crew put in at 
Tortoise Island to obtain a fresh supply of provisions, one of the sailors 
got lost, and was missing for several days. When ready to sail, they 
all set out in search of their lost companion. All day they searched in 
vain. In the evening they saw a large track in the sand, and being a 
good deal alarmed, they encamped for the night, kindled fires, and set 
out gruards. About midniofht one of the fruards fired an alarm, and 
roused the whole crew, assuring them that lije had seen something like 
a great bear creepiug towards the fire. The commander next espied 
the monster, and fancied it was as large as an elephant, and ordered out 
a sergeant with his picket to shoot it. But the sergeant was no alarmist. 
He wished to see what it was before he would shoot it, and he soon 
perceived that it was a man, and he joyfully recognized their lost 
companion, who was so famished that he could only crawl on his hands 
and knees. Had this sergeant been as much alarmed as his captain, 



I 



REV. ROBERT KENNEDY. 



175 



he would have killed his companion ; but he was a cold-blooded fence- 
man, and I, who am a fence-man too, beg leave to assure our alarmed 
brethren, that those whom they conceive to be heretics, are not mon- 
sters ; they are really men like themselves, their companions in the 
Gospel ministry, and if they will fire on them and destroy them, they 
will do an injury to the cause of their Master and to their fellow- 
creatures which cannot be easily repaired." 

"Mr. Kennedy's piety," says Dr. Elliott, "was intelligent and practi- 
cal ; the product of spiritual illumination and sanctifying grace, with 
great freedom from pretension on his part. It manifested itself in a 
clear comprehension of the system of Divine truth as revealed in the 
Word of God, and in a consistent and active obedience to the require- 
ments of duty. Although we have no account of his conversion, or of 
the inward expression of his heart at this time, we have what is equiva- 
lent in a paper found among his manuscripts, bearing date December 
8th, 1798, between eight and nine months previous to his licensure. 
This paper is denominated, ' A solemn dedication of all I have and am 
to the service of God.' In this solemn act of consecration, signed and 
sealed by his own hand, there is ample evidence of a deep and earnest 
exercise of soul, under the saving influences of the Spirit of God." 

During Mr. Kennedy's extreme illness, the Rev. Mr. Davie said to 
him, " Father Kennedy, you have often administered the consolations 
of religion to others, will you leave to us, who are to stand in your 
stead, your feelings in dying?" He calmly replied, "I do not expe- 
rience those rapturous feelings which some have spoken of in dying, 
but my faith in the efficacy of the blood and atonement of our Lord 
and Saviour Jesus Christ is as strong as ever." 

Shortly before his death, and after his sight had fled, he requested 
his wife to call his children around his bedside, and when informed 
that they were there, he raised his head and said, " My dear children, 
I am about to leave you ; may the blessing of God rest with you 
through time and eternity ;" and in a few minutes thereafter he died. 

His death was on October 31st, 1843, of a lingering disease of near 
a year's standing, caused by a fall, and from exposure to damp when 
his system was under the influence of medicine. 

Thus passed from earth a faithful servant of the Lord, the light of 
whose example has not been extinguished by his descent to the tomb, 
but continues to shine with attractive lustre. How great the advan- 
tage of having godly parents ! "I bless God," said Mr. Flavel, "for a 
religious, tender father, who often poured out his soul to God for 
me, and this stock of prayers I esteem above the fairest inheritance 



I y6 MEN OF MARK. 

on earth." " A g-ood man leaveth an inheritance to his' children's 
children." " As for man, his days are as grass ; as a flower of the field 
so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and 
the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the Lord 
is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His 
righteousness unto children's children, to such as keep His covenant, 
and to those that remember His commandments to do them." 




ROBERT JOHNSTON, M. D. 

N taking a retrospect of the families of Franklin county a hun- 
dred years ago, we find none more prominent for its patriot- 
ism and military ardor than that one to which Dr. Robert 
Johnston belonged. 

He, and his three brothers, all held honourable positions in the 
Revolutionary Army. Colonel James Johnston commanded the regi- 
ment which marched from his section of the state into New Jersey, for 
the defence of that province. 

Colonel Thomas Johnston was engaged in active service and was 
under General Wayne, when that General was surprised and defeated 
near Paoli by a superior force of the British, guided by American 
Tories. Major John Johnston, while a mere lad, raised a troop of 
horse, and offered it to the acting authorities. It was accepted, and 
ordered to report in Philadelphia, but when it reached Lancaster, on 
its way to that city, was met by a countermanding order, as the war 
was about to terminate. 

Dr. Robert Johnston was a surgeon in the army from the beginning 
of the war until its close. He was with it at Yorktown, when Lord 
Cornwallis surrendered. He was one of the original members of the 
Society of the Cincinnati and greatly esteemed by his fellow officers. 

At the close of the war, his migratory tastes continued and he went 
on a voyage to China, taking out with him a cargo of ginseng, at that 
time worth almost its weight in gold in the Chinese market. From 
this voyage he realized a large fortune and gained vast stores of 
general information. He brought home with him, what in that day 
was considered a great curiosity, a Chinese servant. 

After his return, he married, and, purchasing a large estate in his 
native county, made there a home, which became the resort of many 
of the most distinguished men of the period, especially his former com- 
panions in arms. One of these, an old friend and fellow surgeon, the 
father of the present Mr. Horace Binney, died at Dr. Johnston's house. 
The doctor, probably using knowledge acquired in the East, embalmed 
the body of his friend and sent it home to his family. 

Dr.* Johnston, having no children of his own, adopted the youngest 
son of his only sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Boggs. 




JOHN KING. 

iMONG the records of the prominent citizens of Franlvlin county, 
a notice of the subject of this sketch is entitled to a conspicu- 
ous place. 

By his industry and economy, first as an iron-master, and afterwards 
as a merchant, Mr. King acquired a large estate. Such was his fair- 
ness of dealing, and honesty of purpose, evinced through a life of mul- 
tifarious business, that not the slightest imputation was ever made 
against his reputation, and all who knew him were ready to testify to 
his unbending integrity. 

His time, services, and means were always ready to minister to the 
sick, comfort the afflicted, relieve the needy, advance the cause of re- 
ligion and morals, and aid every work or enterprise that was esteemed 
of public usefulness. Connected with nearly all the religious, literary, 
charitable, and business institutions in Chambersburg, where much of 
his life was spent, he was always found to be a punctual, attentive, 
active and liberal member or officer, and many were the widows, 
orphans and others, who were witnesses of his kindness, friendship and 
assistance. 

Mr. King, as a Christian, was meek and humble, and his firm and un- 
assuming piety gained him the confidence and esteem of all. He was 
for many years a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church of Chambers- 
burg, and as a member of Session, his counsel and discretion indicated 
the soundness of his judgment. He was also a firm and uniform advo- 
cate and supporter of the order and principles of that church. 

For many years he was President of the Chambersburg Bank, the 
affairs of which he administered with marked ability and success. He 
departed this life, July 8th, 1835. His estimable widow survived him 
a number of years. His eldest daughter, now deceased, was the wife 
of J. Ellis Bonham, Esq., a gifted member of the Carlisle bar, who was 
cut down in the midst of bright promise for the future. Another is 
the wife of J. McDowell Sharpe, Esq., a lawyer of foremost rank in 
Chambersburg. A third, who has remained unmarried, lives with the 
sister just named. 

Mr. King's character and career present an useful example to others. 



JOHN KING. 1 79 

They serve to show, that good sense, sound discretion, dihgence in 
duty, and unaffected piety, may accompHsh more — unspeakably more — 
both for the good of mankind and the advantage of the possessor, than 
is ever achieved, in the absence of these qualities, by the most brilliant 
genius, the most vigorous intellect, or the profoundest erudition. 
Such men are an honour and a blessing to any community. 




DAVID ELLIOTT, D. D., LL. D 

|R. ELLIOTT spent his whole Hfe in Pennsylvania. His grand- 
father, Robert Elliott, was a Scotch-Irishman, who came to this 
country in 1737, and settled on a farm about seven miles north 
of Carlisle. His father, Thomas Elliott, who was at that time about 
seven years old, afterwards, at the close of the Indian war, purchased a 
farm in Sherman's valley, now Perry county. He was first married to 
Catherine, daughter of William Thomas, of York county, and after- 
wards to Mrs. Jane Holliday, of the same race, who was born in 1745. 
David, one of the five children of this second marriage, and the subject 
of this sketch, was born at the Valley Home, February 6th, 1787. 

He was not an exception to the providential law, by which a pious 
and faithful mother's character is reflected in the life of her son. Such 
a mother early taught him to repeat his prayers, as well as Catechetical 
and Scripture questions, and also gave him his first lessons in spelling 
and reading. From the age of six years onward he was sent to such 
schools as a rural neighbourhood, in those uncultured times, afforded. 
In all these schools Dillworth's Spelling Book, the Bible, and Cough's 
Arithmetic were the standard class books. Every morning the pupils 
were required to repeat one or more answers to the questions of the 
Westminster Shorter Catechism, and on each Saturday to recite the 
whole. It was partly due to this training at school, but still more to 
the maternal fidelity which set apart a portion of each Sabbath after- 
noon to religious training at home, that the future distinguished Pro- 
fessor of Theology, "at a very early period," could both "ask and 
answer the whole of the Shorter Catechism without the aid of the 
book." 

Whilst he was attending one of the primary schools just referred to, 
at the age of seven or eight years, he experienced a remarkable provi- 
dential deliverance from instant death, which not only made a powerful 
impression upon his youthful mind, of the sovereign goodness of God, 
but, throueh his whole life, was associated with his orateful memories 
of the unseen hand which, as he never doubted, both led and covered 
him. Passing through a grove of lofty oak timber, with his companions, 
on his way to school, a heavy storm of wind arose, which soon blew a 
perfect hurricane. During the sudden violence of one of the gales 
which swept through the woods they all stopped suddenly, as though 



DAVID ELLIOTT, D. D.. LL. D. igi 

apprehending danger. While thus stationary he heard a crash Hlce the 
breaking of timber, but such was the noise produced by the tempestuous 
fury of the wind that he knew not whence it came, nor whether it was 
near or far off. At this moment, and without any assignable reason 
for doing so, he made a step forward, and as he moved, a large limb of 
a tree, six or eight inches in diameter, and of great weight, passed 
down behind him, brushing his shoulders and the skirts of his coat in 
its descent to the earth. Had he not moved when he did, at that very 
moment, it would have struck him directly on the head and killed him 
in an instant. Every thought of this providential escape, at the time, 
and long afterwards, brought him to tears, in remembrance of the 
mercy which snatched him from destruction. 

In 1802, young Elliott entered a classical school in Tuscarora valley, 
Mifflin county. Pa., which was twelve miles distant from his home, and 
under the care of the Rev. John Coulter, pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church at that place. In 1804 he became connected with a school in 
Mifflin, which was in charge of Andrew K. Russell, afterwards a tutor 
in Washington College, and then a popular teacher and preacher in 
Newark, Delaware. The happiest of all the influences of the year 
spent at that place grew out of his residence in the family of the Rev. 
Matthew Brown, then pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Mifflin, and 
afterwards the distinguished President, first of Washington, and then of 
Jefterson College. In 1805, Mr. Brown having received an invitation 
to become at once the first pastor of the Presbyterian Church of 
Washington, Pa., and principal of the Academy at that place, secured 
his young friend as assistant instructor. This arrangement continued 
for one year, with great acceptance and benefit to the community and 
the pupils. 

In April, 1806, Mr. Elliott left Washington for his home. His 
journey homeward^ on horseback, owing to changes of weather for 
which he had not provided, brought on sickness and debility which 
hindered his entrance into college until January of the next year. But 
this was the most profitable interval of his life, as it was the crisis of his 
spiritual birth. At the end of his first session as a student in Dickin- 
son College, the prostration following hard study induced him to pack 
his books, determined not to returrn. But the vacation inspired him 
with hope. Exercising great care, he was enabled to hold such a 
position in his class that on his graduation, September 28th, 1808, by 
the unanimous selection of his classmates, to whom the Faculty left the 
distribution of honours, he delivered the valedictory. 

Dr. Elliott's first preceptor in theology was his pastor, the Rev. John 
12 



1 82 MEN OF MARK. 

Linn, with whom he spent two years as a student. His last year was 
spent with the Rev. Joshua WiUiams, D. D., of Newville, Pa. He was 
licensed to preach as a probationer by the Presbytery of Carlisle, Sep- 
tember 26th, 181 1. Having preached several times to the congrega- 
tion of Upper West Conococheague, at Mercersburg, Pa., he received 
a call, dated F"cbruary 19th, 181 2, to settle as pastor of this large, 
intellioent and influential church, which, a litde while before, had been 

o 

left vacant by the resignation of the Rev. John King, D. D. The call 
having been approved by the Presbytery, in April the young minister 
at once entered upon his labours, though he was not ordained until the 
next meeting in October, in his own church. In the meantime he was 
married, May 14th, 181 2, to Ann, daughter of Edward West, Esq., of 
Landisburg, Pa. He laboured among the people of his charge with 
great energy, efficiency and success. As a specimen of many public 
movements in which the young pastor took an active interest, the 
Franklin County Bible Society may be cited, which, in 181 5, originated 
in his appeal through the newspapers, was carried to great success 
largely through his exertions, and had the honour of representation in 
the Convention at New York, in 181 6, which formed the American 
Bible Society. 

In 1829, Dr. Elliott received an earnest call to the pastorate of the 
Presbyterian Church, Washington, Pa., where he laboured with great 
acceptableness and success. To liim, during this period, more than 
to any other man, was due the resuscitation and prosperity of Wash- 
ington College after its complete prostration. The trustees elected 
him president of the institution, in connection with his pastoral charge, 
less than four months after his arrival in Washington. This appoint- 
ment he declined under the impression that the church demanded his 
whole time. He consented, however, to become "Acting Presiden|[t 
and Professor of Moral Philosophy," until a permanent president could 
be secured. The college was opened, accordingly, November 2d, 
1830, with two additional professors, and some twenty boys of the 
vicinity exalted into students. And yet by means of extensive cor- 
respondence and other agencies abroad, and vigorous internal man- 
agement, the third session under the administration of the temporary 
president ended with one hundred and nineteen young men enrolled, 
and the regular classes respectably filled. At that stage of progress 
he handed over the Institution, In the spring of 1832, to Dr. McCon- 
aughy, by whom the presidency had been accepted. 

In 1835, Dr. Elliott was called by the General Assembly of the 
Presbyterian Church, to take a professorship in the Western Theo- 



DAVID ELLIOTT, D. D, LL.D. 183 

logical Seminaiy, at Allegheny City, Pa. By an arrangement, this was 
the chair of Theology^ In 1854, he was assigned by the Assembly, 
with his own cordial approbation, to the department of Polemic and 
Historical Theology. To this institution he devoted his best years and 
powers. To a Divine blessing upon his fidelity as much as to all other 
agencies, does the church owe the preservation of this school of the 
prophets, through a hard contest of fifteen years for its very life. 
"His great life work," said his colleague, Dr. Jacobus, in an address 
delivered at his funeral, "was his headship of this Theological Semi- 
nary during thirty-eight years. He came in his full prime — fifty years 
old — ripe in experience, and rich in solid resources for his generation. 
He found here only this venerable father who survives him, (Dr. 
Luther Halsey,) and who had taught the first regular class, and acted 
as the sole Faculty (a whole Faculty in himself) during seven years, and 
who, after a year of joint labours, gave up the charge to his hands. 
What labours! what struggles! what conflicts! what prayers and tears 
he gave early and late to this service! what a work to look back upon! 
Nearly a thousand men have gone forth from under his hand, a large 
majority of whom are to-day labouring as ministers of Christ through- 
out this land and in various foreign fields. Nearly a quarter of a cen- 
tury ago I came to his side, when his only associate Professor was 
commonly understood to be in transitu, and everything struggling up 
the hill. I have seen him in times of great darkness, but always his 
resource was in God. What dignity! what gravity! what simplicity! 
what suavity and urbanity! what fidelity in the most trying hours! As 
an instructor in Theology, in Church Polity, or in the Pastoral care, the 
church knew him to be wise and true, and all his pupils revered and 
loved him. As an ecclesiastic, he shone in the church courts, and 
lifted his voice most effectively in the administration and guidance of 
her affairs." Chief among his publications was a volume of " Letters 
on Church Government," which was well received at the time it ap- 
peared, and the work in which he rescued from oblivion in sweet bio- 
graphical sketches the labours of Elisha McCurdy and the other noble 
pioneers of the Presbyterian Church in Western Pennsylvania, and 
which generations to come will read with interest and profit. 

Dr. Elliott had many and marked evidences of the confidence and 
respect of his brethren in the ministry. He was frequently sent as a 
Commissioner to the General Assembly. He was Moderator of the 
Assembly of 1837, which held its sessions in Philadelphia. He was 
returned to the next Assembly, 1838, over which, after preaching an 
able opening sermon, he presided, under the rule, until its organization 



1 84 MEN OF MARK. 

by the election of his successor. It was during this brief space that 
the rupture of the Presbyterian Church into the "Old School" and 
"New School" divisions was finally accomplished. 

Dr. Elliott's private character was one of peculiar excellence. 
"This, after all," says Dr. Brownson,* "was the real stronghold of 
his influence. Vigorous and cultured intellect, superior wisdom, un- 
faltering energy, and a life-long service, all came to proportion and 
power in the 7noral excellence of the inati to whom they belonged. In 
person he was above the medium size. He was genial and sympa- 
thetic in his feelings. His manners had the simplicity, candour, polite- 
ness and attractiveness of a true Christian gentleman. He was 
inaenanimous and courteous, even in dilTerence and contest. As he 
.scorned unfair advantage in carrying his point, so he was ever able to 
detect and expose it in others. The law of uprightness ruled him 
both in public and private dealing with his fellow men. I have often 
heard from his lips the confidential story of his annoyances, and yet I 
never heard from him a purpose, or even suggestion, at war with the 
highest standard of truth and honour. He held the confidence of his 
brethren and the world, in full proportion to the intimacy which 
opened to their view the secret springs of his action. If even a foiled 
antagonist would attempt to cover his own confusion with the insinua- 
tion of artifice, where others saw only the sagacity of a man as truth- 
ful as he was wise, no words of defence were needed to beat back the 
base insinuation. His continued defence was in the estimation of 
good and discerning men. His friends were life-long in their trust 
and attachments. Both in secular and religious association, one 
principle animated him whose sure crown was the unqualified reliance 
of his fellow men upon his integrity. He did truth, and thereby ever 
came to the light. 

"In social sympatliy. Dr. Elliott's character deepened with advanc- 
ing years. His home was always a centre of hospitality, even to 
serious encroachment upon his substance. So also poverty and sick- 
ness, trial and misery were sure of the offerings, at once, of his heart 
and hands. His thoughtful attentions to persons in humble life, his 
visits of tender affection to the abodes of distress, his letters of Chris- 
tian comfort to the bereaved — enough to fill volumes if published — 
his constant fidelity in turning social opportunity to the end of the 
soul's salvation — all these habits of his active life grew upon him 
more and more as conscious infirmities foretokened ' the night, when 
no man can work.' 



* An Address commemorative uf the Life and Character uf David Elliott, D. D., LL. D. 



DAVID ELLIOTT, D. D., LL. D. 1 85 

"On the eighteenth day of March, 1874, he gently fell asleep in 
Jesus — as gently as an infant upon its mother's breast. The sun of 
his life set in a cloudless sky, giving, in its lengthened rays, a sweet 
token to all who beheld him, of the glorious day without clouds or 
tears, upon which his immortal eyes were then opening. We could 
not weep, but only praise God, as we bore his precious body to the 
beautiful city of the dead, and reverently laid it down to rest by the 
side of his sainted wife, glad that even then their spirits were holy and 
happy together in the vision and fellowship of the glorious Redeemer. 

" 'There no sigh of memory swelleth ; 
There no tear of misery welleth ; 

Hearts will bleed or break no more : 
Past is all the cold world's scorning, 
Gone the night and broke the morning 

Over all the golden shores.' " 




JOSEPH JUNKIN. 

HEN the second George, of Hanover, was on the British throne; 
when the Susquehanna flowed from its sources to the Chesa- 
peake, through an almost unbroken forest ; and when Penn- 
sylvania was a nascent province scarce sixty years old ; there crossed 
that river at Harris' ferry, now Harrisburg, two young Scotch-Irish 
immigrants — Joseph and Elizabeth Junkin. They had come two years 
before, he from Monahan, in Ulster, and she from Tyrone, landing at 
New Casde, Delaware, and stopping for a time at the place where 
Oxford, Chester county, now stands. A previous immigration of 
Junkins had located at that place. 

The name is probably of Danish origin, and it is likely that the 
family was descended from those adventurers from Denmark who 
centuries ago, took possession of parts of North Britain. The 
family had for many generations dwelt in and near Inverness. Most 
of them became Presbyterians and Covenanters, and during the perse- 
cutions under the House of Stuart, emigrated to the north of Ireland. 

Elizabeth Wallace, wife of Joseph Junkin, was also of Scotch ances- 
try ; her parents having come from Scodand to Ireland before the 
revolution of 1 688. Her mother was left a widow, and was in Lon- 
donderry, and, with her family, endured the horrors of that siege, 
successful resistance to which gave William of Orange that vantage 
which established him upon the Bridsh throne, the champion of the 
Protestant religion and of regulated liberty. Said her great grandson : 
" She saw from the walls of glorious old Derry, the smoke of the most 
important gun ever fired — the lee-gun of the Mountjoy, which righted 
the ship, broke the boom, relieved the starving garrison and city, 
forced the allies to raise the siege and retreat upon the Boyne, where 
the arms of William and of liberty triumphed, and completed the blessed 
revolution of 1688." 

Joseph Junkin and Elizabeth Wallace were married at Oxford, after 
their arrival in America ; and not long after their marriage came to 
the Cumberland valley, then Lancaster county, and " took up " five 
hundred acres of land, including the site of the present town of New 
Kino-ston. He might have secured ten dmes that quantity of land, for 
more than that lay unoccupied around his claim, and the only cost of 
obtaining a title was that of surveying and the land office fees. But 



JOSEPH JUNKIN. 1 8 7 

he invested his money in improvement, and in building a stone house, 
which is standing to this day. 

In this house, Joseph Junkin was born, January 22d, 1750. He 
had two sisters older than himself, Mary, who became Mrs. John 
Culbertson, and Elizabeth, who died young ; and one sister and two 
brothers younger than himself, John, who died without issue, and 
Benjamin, the grandfather of the Hon. Judge Benjamin Junkin, of 
Perry county. 

During the childhood of the subject of this sketch, the valley was 
subject to stealthy incursions of the Indians, who were very bold and 
bloody, after the defeat of Braddock. Sometimes the family had to fly 
to Chester county in dread of Indian hostility ; and often Joseph, 
when a child, and the other children were hidden in the flax patch 
or the corn field at night for concealment from the marauders. 

The father of Joseph Junkin died during the war of the Revolution, 
in 1777; the mother survived till 1796. The first place of public (Pres- 
byterian) worship in this part of the valley was upon her estate, just 
north by east of where New Kingston now stands, three hundred 
yards from the old stone house. It was known for many years as 
"The Widow Junkin's Tent," and consisted of rude seats beneath the 
forest shades, with a " tent" or shelter for the preacher, braced against 
the trunk of a huge black oak, furnished with a bench for a seat and a 
board for the Bible. There Black, and Cuthbertson, and Dobbin, and 
others, preached the precious Gospel. 

The landed estate was divided between Joseph and Benjamin, the 
latter retaining the homestead and the eastern portion of the land. 
Joseph received the western portion of the estate, and built thereon, in 
1 775, a substantial stone house, which is still standing, and is the 
country seat of Mr. Kanaga, the proprietor of the Girard House, Phila- 
delphia, whose father bought it from Mr. Junkin, in 1806. 

When the war of Independence began, young Junkin, then in his 
twenty-fifth year, took a prompt and decisive stand in favour of the 
patriot cause, as did all the Scotch-Irish Presbyterians and their 
descendants. Many incidents in the history of the valley, connected 
with that struggle, might be related did space permit. The writer of 
this sketch has heard its subject detailing many, but one of which will 
we find space to record. 

Just before he marched to New Jersey, viz: in June, 1776, a large 
assembly of the inhabitants of the valley met in the public square, in 
Carlisle, to confer about public affairs. The idea of independence had 
been broached in Congress a few weeks before, and it was proposed 



1 88 MEN OF MARK. 

to discuss and decide this question in this meeting. An eminent 
lawyer of Carlisle, Mr. W., made an earnest address, setting forth the 
folly and madness of the attempt at independence. He portrayed the 
vast weath and military power of Great Britain, in contrast with the 
poverty, weakness, and want of military resources of the colonies. He 
urged that we should seek nothing beyond a reasonable redress of 
grievances, and assured his hearers that an attempt to gain indepen- 
dence would result only in disaster and ruin to the colonies. When he 
had closed, another lawyer, William Lyon, made a short address, con- 
troverting the views of his predecessor, and then proposed that all 
who favoured independence should move to the north side of the "dia- 
mond," and those opposed to it to the south side. The great mass of 
the people, young Junkin and his brothers John and Benjamin with 
them, moved to the north side, three or four remained in the centre, 
but none went to the so7ith side. 

A few days after this, there was a battalion drill near Silvers' Spring, 
at which nearly all the people of the lower end of the valley who were 
not already in the army, were present. Whilst the parade was in 
progress, (it was now the 7th of July,) and whilst the men were 
marching through the bushes, and many were putting green branches 
in their hats as a token that they were willing to volunteer, a horn was 
heard, and a courier dashed up the road at full speed, announcing that 
independence had been declared at Philadelphia, three days before. 
A hand-bill copy of the declaration was given by the courier and read 
to the men, who unanimously and by acclamation ratified it on the spot, 
and a large company was at once raised and marched to the front. 

Of that company Joseph Junkin was an officer. They were ordered 
to Amboy, in New Jersey, where they were employed in guarding the 
coast against the enemy, then in possession of New York. Such was 
the spirit of old Cumberland in that trying time. 

His military engagements interfered seriously with his farm im- 
provements, and deferred his marriage till towards the close of the 
war. When the army went into winter quarters, in 1776-7, he 
returned home. Next year he again volunteered, and continued in 
active service till wounded and compelled to come home. His brother 
John marched to the front in the fall of 1777. In a letter to his son 
George, written in 181 9, he says: 

"The Batde of Brandywine was fought September nth, 1777, in 
which I commanded a company. Our army was forced to retreat. 
Great confusion followed, both among the troops and in the surround- 
ing country. The dead found an asylum, but there was none for the 



JOSEPH JUNK IN. 1 8 9 

wounded. On the i6th, we had a sharp skirmish with the enemy near 
the White Horse tavern, in Chester county, in which I received a 
musket ball through my right arm, which shattered the bone. I could 
find no place to retire to for cure or subsistence. The army was in 
motion ; I could not go with them. A horse was procured by Captain 
Fisher ; a rope was my bridle ; a knapsack stuffed with hay was my 
saddle ; and thus equipped and wrapped in my bloody garments, I 
arrived at home — ninety miles — in three days. I then took boarding 
in Carlisle, put myself under the care of Dr. Samuel A. McCoskry,* 
and paid all expenses attendant upon my cure, besides losing a full 
year of the prime of my life. I was urged to place myself upon the 
pension list, under the law of 1787, but, being in good circumstances, 
declined it." 

He does not mention in the foregoing letter, what he sometimes 
detailed to his children, the fact of his escape from the British lines 
after he was wounded. Having fainted from loss of blood, the enemy 
passed him by, taking him for dead. Night came on. A shower of 
rain revived him. He arose, and dreading to fall into the enemy's 
hands, made his way across woods and fields. At nightfall he 
approached a farm house faint and weary. As he opened the kitchen 
door, a stout Quaker, the owner of the house, promptly approached 
him and gendy pushed him back out of the house. The Quaker had 
perceived at a glance that the new arrival was an American officer, and 
being a true patriot, desired to save him from capture and perhaps 
death. As he closed the door behind him, he whispered, " Friend, thee 
is in great danger ; my house is full of British officers, and there, in my 
meadow, is encamped a squadron of British horse ; but I will try to 
save thee." He took him first to his barn and made him a bed of hay. 
But in a few minutes after leaving him, he returned saying, " Friend, 
thee must out of this ; the officers have demanded hay, and doubtless 
will take it in spite of my refusal: come !" He took the wounded man 
to a spring-house loft, unbound some bundles of flax and made him a 
bed. Shordy afterwards, the worthy Quakeress came to the wounded 
officer with some warm milk and bread and some linen cloths, with 
which last she dressed his wound. 

Before daybreak the next morning, the patriotic Friend came to the 
wounded man, assisted him to disguise himself by putting his fatigue 
dress, (the hunting shirt,) over his other dress, and conducted him 
down the ravine formed by the spring run to the main road, and 
pointed him the direction in which Washington's army had retreated. 

* Father of Bishop McCoskiy, of Michigan. 



I go MEN OF MARK. 

The wounded soldier had made some progress by sunrise, and 
was full of hope of rejoining his regiment, when, as he was crossing 
a brook, two dragoons, dressed in British scarlet rode up, made him 
prisoner and ordered him to march between their horses' heads. They 
asked him if he belonged to the rebel army. A Covenanter could only 
tell the truth. They inquired what brigade and regiment he belonged 
to. He replied, " Gen. Jas. Potter's brigade, second regiment." They 
marched him about a mile, and he resolved not to endure the horrors 
of a British prison ship, but determined upon escape or death. He 
had fixed in his mind that, about the midst of a wood which they were 
approaching, he would make a spring into the forest, and hoped 
that he might escape the fire of his captors, and that they could not 
pursue him through the under brush. But just as his nerves were 
strung up to the effort, and within a few paces of the thicket into which 
he was resolved to plunge, his rude captors halted, pointed down a dim 
road through the forest, and said, "You will find your regiment encamped 
in a field just beyond this wood — we are Americans in disguise." The 
revulsion of feeling had well nigh proved too much for the enfeebled 
man; he sank to the ground, but was soon able, with the assistance of 
the perpetrators of the rough jest, to reach his company. The captors 
were scouts dressed in British uniform, and sent out for intelligence of 
the enemy's movements; and as young Junkin wore a hunting shirt 
over his uniform, they had mistaken him for a private. His descend- 
ants have never ceased to cherish gratefully the memory of the 
patriotic Quaker, George Smith, and his gentle wife, who saved the 
life of the wounded soldier. 

In 1778, the British Indians became troublesome on the head waters 
of the Juniata ; and the subject of this sketch, although e.xempt from 
military duty, his wound not being fully healed, volunteered to repel 
them, and marched with the troops for that purpose. He assisted in 
building a fort near to where Hollidaysburg now stands. 

In May, 1779, he was married to Eleanor Cochran, by the Rev. 
Alexander Dobbin, D. D., by whom he had fourteen children, ten sons 
and four daughters, all of whom, except the youngest, were born in the 
stone house built by him in 1775, and still standing. His youngest 
son was born in Mercer county, Pa. Eleven of his children reached 
adult life and married. Two of his sons, the fourth and the youngest, 
were ministers of the Gospel, two of his daughters were married to 
ministers, and, includintj these, with other sons and sons-in-law and 
grand-children,, there have already been amongst his descendants 
fifteen ministers and sixteen ruling elders — in all thirty-one Pres- 



JOSEPH JUNK IN. 1 9 1 

byters, and he was himself a ruling elder in die Associate Reformed 
Church. 

He continued to live at his home in the valley until the spring of 
1806. He was a Justice of the Peace and a practical surveyor, and 
was a highly esteemed citizen. In 1806, he removed with his family to 
" Hope Mills," in Mercer county, where he continued to reside until 
February 21st, 1831, when he died, in the eighty-second year of his 
age. He was self taught, but a man of solid and accurate English 
education. He was remarkable as a clear, consecutive reasoner, and 
wrote with a vigorous style. He was a Calvinist in religion, a Demo- 
crat in politics, and was somewhat ready to defend, with voice and pen 
both classes of opinion. 



CAPTAIN JOHN JUNKIN, 




HE son of the foregoing, was born in East Pennsboro township, 
Cumberland county, on the 12th of September, 1786. He 
was the oldest of ten sons, and was of eminent promise from 
early boyhood. He and his brothers, Joseph, George and Benjamin, 
received their earlier education in a schoolhouse which long stood on 
the border of their father's estate. In 1805, the father having pur- 
chased extensive lands in Mercer count)', including the future family 
seat, at Hope Mills, John and Joseph were sent out to commence the 
opening of a farm and the erection of mills at that place. They 
erected a cabin, and built a mill dam on the Neshannock creek, and 
returned to Cumberland, to accompany, the next spring, the entire 
family to the new home in the west. This migration was effected in 
the spring of 1806. In the entire enterprise the subject of this sketch 
was his father's most efficient and wise helper, and when the new 
home was in process of being established, the father and mother found, 
in their elder son, at once a safe counsellor and an energetic leader in 
the work. 

From 1806 to 181 1, John Junkin continued in his father's house, and 
in the energetic performance of the duties of an elder son ; building 
the family mansion, which is still standing ; building mills ; opening 
out the farm, and the various employments incident to frontier lite. 

Meantime he was attracting notice in the new settlement as a young 
man of fine talents, great probity, industrious habits and public spirit. 
He possessed more of the elements of popularity than perhaps any 
member of the family. He was a universal favourite amongst the 
young men of the county, and had he lived and remained in civil life 
he would have risen to any position which he desired, and which was 
in the gift of the people. 

But before the family had been six years in their new home the 
storm clouds of war began to darken the horizon of our country, and 
in 181 2 the conflict with Great Britain began. At the time war was 
declared the subject of this sketch was First Lieutenant of the " Mercer 
Blues," a company which had been organized in the town of Mercer 
and vicinity. The company, to the number of some eighty-four men, 
volunteered to march to the defence of the northwestern frontier, left 
defenceless by the surrender of Fort Detroit by General Hull. The 



CAPTAIN JOHN JUNKIN. 1 93 

Captain of the company resigned and sent a substitute, and Mr. Junkin 
was elected Captain and led the company, first to Pittsburgh, and 
thence, with Gen. Crook's brigade, to Fort Meigs, on the Maumee 
river, where they rendered effective assistance to General Harrison, 
in the defence of that fortress and frontier. 

"The Mercer Blues" were a remarkable body of men — nearly all 
Presbyterians, and most of them professors of religion. They found 
their own uniform, rifles, bibles and psalm books ; and morning and 
evening worship, unless interrupted by alarms or extra military duty, 
was kept up by the inmates in every tent with the exception of two, 
and in those two the Captain often officiated. But the company was 
remarkable as a model of drill and military morale. Gen. Harrison 
often commended them as models for imitation. 

One of the most perilous expeditions of the campaign was as follows: 
Gen. Harrison had heard that the brig Queen Charlotte (the same that 
was afterwards captured in Perry's victory) was lying ice-bound in 
Lake Erie, off Maiden, and as it was known that she was laden with 
valuable military stores, in addition to her own armament, the General 
laid a plan to capture her, possess himself of her stores, and burn the 
vessel. He sent for Captain Junkin, and asked him to lead the expe- 
dition, offering him the choice of the men to accompany him. Junkin 
accepted the offer, and picked his men chiefly from his own company 
and Captain Dawson's, from the same county. Provided with hand 
sleds to carry away the stores in case of success, and well armed and 
accoutred for the expedition, they set forth, reached the lake opposite 
Maiden, traversed its frozen bosom until they came in sight of the 
brig, but, to their great disappointment, found a quarter of a mile or 
more of open lake between the terminus of their icy bridge and the 
object of their search. Having no boats they were constrained to 
return, but the same ground swell that had caused the opening of the 
ice on the Maiden side had begun to crack it in their rear, so that it 
was with extreme difficulty and peril that they reached the American 
shore, having often to take the planks off their sleds to bridge the 
chasms in the ice field. By great presence of mind and skilful engi- 
neering the entire command got safely to shore. 

Walter Oliver,* a brother-in-law of Captain Junkin, (having married 
his sister,) was First Lieutenant of the company. Mr. Oliver was also 
a native of Cumberland valley, having been born near Big Spring, 
(Newville,) about 1780. A millwright by occupation, he had come to 
Hope Mills in that capacity, and when the war broke out he left his 

* Brother of Isabella Oliver, the Poetess, afterwards Mrs. Sharp, of Newville. 



1 54 MRN OF MARK. 

young wife and child and marched to the defence of his country. He 
was long a highly reputable citizen of Mercer county, represented her 
for many years in the Legislature of the Commonwealth, held other 
offices of trust, and was for several years the Captain of the " Blues," 
who kept up their organization for many years after the war was 
ended. Mr. Oliver died, as did also Eleanor, his wife, within a few 
days of each other, in 1836. Captain Junkin had married in 1800 his 
cousin Martha, the daughter of Hon. Wm. Findley, of Westmoreland 
county, and who represented that district in Congress for twenty-two 
consecutive years. Thus, also, Capt. Junkin left a wife and daughter 
behind him when he marched to Fort Meigs. It pleased Providence 
that he was never again, in this life, to see his young wife. She died 
during his absence. The daughter still survives, the wife of the Hon. 
Wm. M. Francis, of Lawrence county, and mother of the Rev. John 
Junkin Francis, of Freeport, Pa. 

Joseph Junkin, brother of the Captain, was ensign of the company, 
and bore an active part in the campaign. He was born at the same 
place in Cumberland where all of the family save one were born, and 
his numerous descendants live some in Pennsylvania and some in Iowa. 

The attention of General Harrison having been drawn to Captain 
Junkin, as a young man of marked military talent, he mentioned him 
favourably to the Secretary of War, and the result was that soon after 
returning from the northwestern campaign he received a Captain's 
commission in the regular army of the United States. Shordy after 
this commission issued, and whilst the Captain was away from home 
on business, east of the mountains, the people of Mercer county ad- 
hering to the Democratic party nominated him for a seat in the State 
Legislature. This nomination he declined, on account of his military 
engagements. He was ordered upon recruiting service in the town 
of Mercer, where his personal popularity soon drew into the service a 
large number of men; but before marching orders came a malignant 
fever broke out amongst the men in the barracks, and, in bestowing 
personal attentions upon the sick men, he contracted the disease, and 
died April 27th, 18 14. The writer of this sketch has seen old men 
who had been under his command, shed tears to his memor\' long after 
his decease. One of these, nearly twenty years after the death of his 
beloved Captain, said, as he tearfully gazed upon his tombstone, " he 
was a father to his men." 




GEORGE JUNKIN, D. D., LL. D. 

ION of Joseph, above named, was born at the family seat in 
Cumberland, November ist, 1790. His godly mother had 
from his birth devoted him, in her thought and in her prayers, 
to the Gospel ministry. He received his primary education in the 
school-house mentioned in a former sketch ; although the parents 
bestowed more than ordinary attention in assisting the education of 
their children. He removed, with the family, to Hope Mills, in 1806, 
and took an active and energetic share in the making of that new 
home. He entered Jefferson College, Pa., May, 1809 ; graduated in 
September, 1813 ; and shordy afterwards, viz: in the early part of 
October, set out from his home at Hope Mills, to repair to Dr. Mason's 
Theological Seminary in New York. He crossed the mountains on 
horse-back, the usual mode of traveling in that day. Ejl route he 
visited his native place in Cumberland, and spent a short season there. 
He crossed the Susquehanna on a ferry flat at Harrisburg, and pro- 
ceeded to Philadelphia. There he met his life-long friend, the late 
Rev. John Knox, D. D., who was also on his way to the Seminary, 
having already been there one session. Dr. Knox was from Marsh 
Creek, Adams county. The young students, after a few days' tarry in 
Philadelphia, proceeded to New York, by the " Swift-Sure " line of 
stage coaches, and reached Somerville, N. J., the first day, and New 
York by the evening of the second. Now we can pass from city to 
city in two hours. 

In passing through Pittsburgh, the student met his soldier brother, 
and spent the night with him. It was their last earthly interview. 

On account of the fact that a voluminous biography of the subject of 
this sketch has been written by his younger brother, and extensively 
circulated, it is not deemed necessary to enter minutely into the details 
of his laborious, eventful and useful life. The prominent points of his 
history is all we can find space for, and those in but meagre outline. 

He continued at the seminary until September, 181 6. During his 
sojourn in New York city, he assisted in the organization of the 
first Sabbath school. At the date just mentioned he and three other 
students, his life-friend, Joseph McElroy, and two others named Lee, set 
out for western Pennsylvania in a two-horse wagon, and by the 15th of 
that month arrived at Noblestown, in Allegheny county, where the 



1 56 MEN OF MARK. 

Presbytery of Monongahela (Associate Reformed) was met. He was 
examined, and presented all his trials, which all proved satisfactory, 
except his opinions upon Catholic communion. He did not hold to 
close communion. The Presbytery did, and refused to license him to 
preach on that account. He then asked a dismission to put himself 
under the care of the Big Spring Presbytery, in his native valley. 
Upon this the Presbytery reconsidered their decision and licensed him 
to preach the Gospel. 

His first sermon was preached in Butler, Pa., on the 17th of Sep- 
tember, 181 6, and from that time till a few days before his death, he 
continued to preach, with scarce a Sabbath's intermission, and often dur- 
ino- the week. His first ministerial settlement was as a missionary in 
the city of Philadelphia, where he began his labours in March, 1818. 
The centre of his operations was in Mrs. Duncan's church in Thirteenth 
street, an edifice erected in pursuance of the will of Mrs. Margaret 
Duncan, who had, during a storm at sea, vowed to build a house tor 
God, if he would spare her life and the lives of her fellow voyagers. 
He was ordained as an Evangelist June 29th, 1818, by the Associate 
Reformed Presbytery of Philadelphia. The ordination took place in 
Gettysburg, in the very place where forty-five years afterwards he 
laboured amongst the wounded and the dying, the victims ot the terri- 
ble battle fought at that place. 

In October 18 18, he visited Milton, Pa., and preached to a con- 
gregation of the Associate Reformed Church in that vicinity. His 
visit resulted in a call, and he became the pastor of that people the 
same year, and continued to serve them, and a congregation which he 
gathered in the borough of Milton, in connection with White Deer 
church, for eleven years. 

On the 1st of June, 18 19, he was married by Dr. Mason to Miss 
Julia Rush Miller, of Philadelphia, a most estimatable lady, who for 
thirty-three years proved to him, indeed, a help-meet. He was in- 
stalled pastor at Milton in October, 1819. In 1822, steps were taken 
by the General Assembly and the Associated Reformed Synod for a 
union of the two bodies ; and this was so far consummated by 1824 that 
Mr. Junkin united with the Presbytery of Northumberland. He was 
cordially received ; for his power had been felt from the time of his 
advent to that region, in the co-operative work of the church. He was 
soon recognized as the leader in the Bible, Sabbath School, and Tem- 
perance causes, and was much beloved and well sustained in his efforts, 
by his brethren in the ministry, and by all good people in that part of 
the state. He spent eleven years in pastoral and other labour in that 



GEORGE JUNKJN, D. D., LL. D. 197 

field, and was the instrument of many great reforms in the churches, 
and in the community. He was a chief instrument in founding the 
Milton Academy, which, under the Presidency of that celebrated 
teacher. Dr. Kirkpatrick, has given so many distinguished men both to 
church and state, at home and abroad. As auxiliary to the Missionary, 
Bible, Education and Temperance causes, he established a paper called 
the Religious Fanner, the editorial work of which he added to his other 
toils. Being a practical and scientific agriculturalist, he did much to 
improve the style and methods of husbandry' in that part of the state. 
His pronounced advocacy of the right, and opposition to the wrong, of 
course, roused the resentment of the bad, and whilst the wicked 
respected him for his consistency, zeal and public spirit, they hated him 
as cordially as he was warmly beloved by the friends of good order. 

Whilst at Milton he was pressed into a controversy upon the 
opinions of Socinns. A learned and accomplished Unitarian minister, 
an Englishman by birth, assailed the doctrine of our Lord's Divinity 
through the local press, and Mr. junkin defended it with such ability 
and effect as to banish the errors and the errorist from that community. 

In 1826, Mr. Junkin was seriously ill, and for a time his life was des- 
paired of Mrs. Junkin had asked a pious carpenter, who was build- 
ing a barn for them, to conduct family worship in a room adjoining the 
one in which her sick husband lay, but in his hearing. On one occa- 
sion the carpenter, a Baptist, asked an apprentice of his to lead in 
prayer. The youth did it with so much unction and earnestness, as 
deeply to impress the mind of the sick pastor, and when the worship 
was over, and the men had gone to their work, Mr. Junkin said to his 
wife : " If God spares my life, that young man shall enter the ministry." 
He did recover speedily, and the pious Baptist generously released his 
apprentice from the remainder of his time, and Mr. Junkin assisted 
him to prosecute his studies. After attending the Milton Academy, 
the young carpenter graduated at Jefferson College and the Princeton 
Seminary, and was, together with the lovely John Cloud, thajirsi Mis- 
sionary of the Church to Africa, where they fell, early martyrs to the 
blessed cause. Previous to this Mr. Junkin had assisted the writer of 
these lines and others, in their preparatory studies ; but it was Mat- 
thew Laird, whose case awakened fully in the pastor's mind that 
interest in the cause of ministerial training which led him to enter the 
field of education, in which he spent the greater portion of his life. 

In the summer of 1830, Mr. Junkin had been elected President of 
the "Pennsylvania Manual Labour Academy," locatedat Germantown. 
He accepted the appointment, and bade a tearful adieu to the people 
13 



I gg MEN OF MARK. I 

of his pastoral charge, who fully reciprocated his affection, and early in " 
August of that year repaired to Germantown and entered upon his 
public duties. There he laboured assiduously until the spring of 1832, I 
when having been elected President of Lafayette College, an institu- 
tion existing only on paper, he accepted, and removed to Easton and 
began the arduous work of founding a college. Most of the students 
of the Academy at Germantown accompanied him to Easton, and con- 
stituted the nucleus of the future college, an institution which under 
him and his successors, and especially under the present efficient Presi- 
dent, Cattell, has risen to be one of the best colleges of the land. 

The story of the founding of Lafayette College is a romance of real 
life, as thrilling in its details as the stories of fiction, but we have not 
space for it here. Let it suffice to say, that it is a story of toil, trial, ' 
heroic sacrifice, and of wondrous perseverance under discouragements 1 
that would have crushed any ordinary man. During his presidency at 
Easton, the great doctrinal and ecclesiastical difficulties, which resulted 
in the disruption of the Presb)terian Church, approached their acme. I 
Every friend of Presbyterianism desired that, by some process, the 
strife should be ended and peace restored ; but none seemed willing 
to assume the unpleasant responsibility of using the i-egtilar discipline 
of the church as an instrument of adjustment. At length, George 
Junkin, who had been doctorated by his Alma Matej; in 1833, felt it 
to be his duty to step forth and secure a decision of the church courts 
upon the question, " Is the New School Theology to be acknowledged 
as being consistent with the teaching of the Holy Scriptures and the 
Standards of the Presbyterian Church?" He, therefore, entered for- 
mal charges before the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia against the 
Rev. Albert Barnes, a member of the same, and pastor of the First 
Presbyterian Church of that city. We have not space to detail the 
particulars of this great and important trial in its various stages, in the 
Presbytery, the Synod, and the General Assembly. It is part of the 
ecclesiastical history of the times, and is fully recited in Dr. Junkin's 
biography. .Suffice to say, the Presbytery, by a decided majority, ac- 
quitted Mr. Barnes ; the Synod, by as decided a majority, found him 
guilty of the charges, and suspended him from the ministry ; and the 
General Assembly, by a close vote, reversed the decision of the Synod, 
and restored Mr. Barnes to his clerical functions, but advised some 
modification of his terminology. This decision of the General Assem- 
bly convinced the Old School that they must either tolerate a Semi- 
Pelagian theology in the church, or take vigorous measures for elimi- 
nating it. The conflict went on and resulted in the excision of certain 



GEORGE JUNKIN, D. D., LL. D. igc) 

Synods in 1837, ^""^ the secession of the New School party in 1838, 
when a clear majorit}' appeared against them. It is due to Dr. Junkin 
to say, that even his opponents attested the purity of his motives, and 
the Christian spirit and temper exhibited by him. Mr. Barnes, himself, 
bore magnanimous testimony to the fairness and Christian spirit with 
which his prosecutor had conducted the trial. His biographer has 
shown that Dr. Junkin's motto, " Union in the truth," which he always 
avowed as the object of the prosecution, has been marvellously realized 
in the recent re-union of the two branches of the Presbyterian Church. 
Mr. Barnes and his prosecutor both lived to see a steadfast approxima- 
tion to the simple and obvious interpretation of the standards. The 
former greatly modified the language of his books, and the latter re- 
joiced in the fact that, after the heat of the conflict was over, the great 
men of the New School, always sound themselves, were disposed to 
insist that the few erring brethren among them should pay greater 
regard to the nomenclature of the Standards. 

In the spring of 1841, Dr. Junkin, upon unanimous election of its 
Board of Trustees, became President of Miami University, at Oxford, 
Ohio. The institution was a good deal demoralized in its discipline ; 
and the Trustees requested him to restore discipline and elevate the 
standard of scholarship. This he did very effectively and accomplished 
a good work for education and religion during his sojourn in Ohio. 
Meanwhile there was growing up at Easton and in Lafayette College, 
a desire that the founder should be recalled to the head of that institu- 
tion. In this the Trustees unanimously concurred — even those who 
had for a time assumed an unfriendly attitude. He was re-elected 
President in the fall of 1844, and such was his love for that favourite 
spot and enterprise, that he accepted and returned to Easton. Under 
his administration the College steadily grew in numbers and in 
influence, although still struggling with pecuniary difficulties. 

Meanwhile his fame as an educator had spread over the nation, and 
his services were sought for elsewhere. In 1848, he was elected 
President of Washington College, Va., a well endowed institution, now 
Washington and Lee University. He felt it to be his duty to accept, 
and bidding another sad adieu to Lafayette and to Easton, he repaired 
with his family to Lexington, Va. There he spent perhaps the happiest 
period of his life. His toils were not arduous, at least in regard to 
the pecuniary interests of the College. He was surrounded by men 
of high culture, and his family had every social advantage. A volume, 
nevertheless, could be filled with interesting details of his labours in 
that field, for he was a man of work, wherever he was, and one whose 



200 MEN OF MARK. 

public spirit led him to throw himself, heart and soul, into every scheme 
for doine good. 

There he continued to labour until the deep mutterings of our terri- 
ble civil war broke upon his ear. He did all that man could to avert 
that calamity. He wrote, he !5poke, he reasoned, he prayed against the 
madness of secession. His family had taken root in the South. Two 
of his daughters had married Virginians, the one Col. Preston, the 
other Major Jackson, both Professors in the Virginia Military Institute. 
Two of his sons were settled in pastoral charges in Virginia, and were 
married to Southern ladies. His property was there; there he had 
buried his beloved wife, a daughter, and other dear ones, and it was a 
sore trial to leave all. His daughter Eleanor had married the after- 
wards renowned Gen. (Stonewall) Jackson. Both his sons-in-law were 
with him in Union sentiment, up to the moment that an army was 
called out. Rockbridge county, the one of which they were citizens, 
voted more then ten to one against secession, and there was a large 
majority against it in the whole State. But the rabid politicians pre- 
vailed, Virginia seceded, the rebel flag was hoisted over his College, 
and George Junkin left her soil and came to the North. 

His exodus from Virginia, with his widowed daughter and his niece, 
would constitute a touching episode in the history of the war. He was 
now nearly seventy-one years old. He drove his own span of horses 
in the family carriage from Lexington via Williamsport and Hagers- 
town, to Chambersburg. There he rested a little while with his friends, 
the Kennedys. He was now in his native valley of Cumberland, and 
terrible as the times were, he luxuriated in its beauties and its memories. 
He visited the birth place of his mother in Franklin county, he visited 
the room at New Kingston in which he had been born nearly seventy- 
one years before, and thence proceeded to Philadelphia, where, in the 
bosom of the lovely family of his third son and namesake, he found a 
pleasant home for the remainder of his days. 

But George Junkin could not be idle, his heart was on fire with zeal 
for the Union and for that Government which his father had bled to 
establish, and he threw himself into the cause with all his eloquence 
and energies. 

He wrote a book called, " Political Fallacies," in which he exposed 
the enormity of the doctrine of secession. He made addresses at 
public meetings, he wrote for the papers, and when blood began to 
flow he went to battle fields, and to forts and hospitals to minister to- 
the bodily and spiritual wants of the wounded and the dying. 

During the autumn and winter of 1862-3, and the summer of the 



GEORGE [UNKIN, D. D., LL. D. 20I 

latter year, he preached for the Canal street Presbyterian Church, 
New York, but did not abate his patriotic labours. The people were 
very fond of him and parted with him reluctantly, when an attack of 
illness compelled him to return to Philadelphia. 

When the war was over, he threw himself into the cause of Temper- 
ance and the Sabbath, and performed Herculean work therein. Thus 
he laboured on until a few days before his death, preaching-, writing, 
traveling and lobbying in the cause of God's day, and the Temperance 
cause. In these years he made many visits to different parts of the 
land, one especially, to his native place in the valley, spending part of 
his seventy-first birthday in the house in which he was born. 

He was also busy with his pen, and published several valuable works 
of small size; such as his " Tabernacle," " Sabbatismos," "The Two 
Commissions," &c. But the chief labour of the last year was pre- 
paring for the press his Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews. 
This he completed three days before his death, and went to make 
arrangements for its publication, but these arrangements were not 
completed when he was suddenly called to a higher life. The work 
has since been published. 

He died oi Angina Pectoris, May 20th, 1868. His last recorded text 
was John xiv, i. His last audible words were "Christ — the Church — 
Heaven ! " 

In 1856, Rutgers College conferred upon him the degree of Doctor 
of Laws, but he little prized earthly titles. He was a man of God, 
devout, humble, prayerful. A strong intellect, great powers of generali- 
zation and analysis, a keen and discriminating logic, a power of lan- 
guage always vigorous and clear, and often rising to the height of 
poetry, a glowing heart full of deep affection, a disposition firm as a 
rock when contending for the right, but gentle as a woman's in all 
social elements, made George Junkin the great and good man that he 
was, for all his powers were baptized with the Holy Ghost, and conse- 
crated to Christ. 

Amongst his published works are : A Treatise on Justification ; A 
Treatise on Sanctification ; Lectures on the Prophecies ; Political 
Fallacies ; Sabbatismos ; The Gospel according to Moses ; The Two 
Commissions ; and his Commentary on the Hebrews. Many sermons 
and pamphlets might be added to this list ; but it is deemed needless 
Cumberland valley need not be ashamed of him. He was a sojourner 
on earth; in Heaven he is at home. 




REV. WILLIAM SPEER. 

[,HE early life of Mr. Speer was spent in the neighbourhood 
where Gettysburg was afterwards built. He was born within 
the bounds of and connected himself with the Upper Marsh 
Creek Church, and pursued his Academical studies on ground which 
was since marched or fought over in the great battle. 

He graduated at Carlisle, at the age of twenty-four, in 1788, and 
remained there until 1791, in the only Theological class taught by Dr. 
Nisbet, with whom he was a favourite student. He declined or pre- 
vented calls from several important points in the church, one of them 
to be a colleague of the venerable Rev. Dr. John Rogers, in the First 
Church, New York. His piety was of an ardent and self-denying type, 
and his style of preaching most searching and solemn. He accepted 
a call to the Falling Spring Church, Chambersburg, in 1794, but left 
it in I 797, on account of unwillingness of the people of that day to 
submit to evangelical discipline, and their persistence in customs as to 
the baptism of their children, and others of a kindred nature which he 
could not conscientiously uphold. 

Being filled with a missionary spirit, he went with some excellent 
families to Chillicothe, the seat of the new government of the North- 
west Territory, a vast and wild region in which his only predecessor 
was the Rev. James Kemper, at Cincinnati, and thus became the first 
chaplain of the infant state of Ohio. Domestic afflictions compelled 
him to return to Pennsylvania. From 1802 till his death in 1829, his 
life was spent in the united congregations of Greensburg and Unity. 
He was a friend of missions, and an earnest and effective advocate of 
sound and thorough education. For many years he was a Trustee of 
Washington College, and was the first Vice-President of the Board of 
Directors of the Theological Seminary at Allegheny. Mr. Speer was 
the first man to move in ecclesiastical opposition to the errors and 
moral evils of Free Masonry ; and roused the Synod to adopt an able 
paper on the subject in 1820. On the committee to prepare it, of 
which he was chairman, were also the Rev. Dr. Matthew Brown, 
President of Jefferson College, Rev. Thomas E. Hughes, and Elders 
Thomas Hazleton and Thomas Davis. Mr. Speer was sent to the next 
General Assembly to advocate a memorial to it from the Synod upon 
the subject. There a debate of several days elicited strong pleas for 



REV. WILLIAM SPEER. 203 

and against the action of tiie Synod on the subject. It was decided 
against; but information was disseminated, and opposition aroused, 
which, within the next few years, arrayed in opposition to Free Masonry, 
as existing at that time, the emphatic religious sentiment of western 
and central Pennsylvania, then the conscience of many of the. best 
people of western New York, Ohio, and other parts of the country, and 
in the end the political organization of a party which exerted much 
influence upon the history of the country. 

Mr. Speer was the grandfather of the Rev. W. Speer, D. D., for 
many years a foreign missionary, but at present Secretary of the Board 
of Education of the Presbyterian Church, which position he has 
recently intimated his desire to resign with a view to continue labour 
among the Chinese. 




HON. THOMAS DUNCAN. 

|HIS distinguished lawyer and eminent judge was a native of 
Carlisle. His father was an emiorant from Scotland, and one 
among the first settlers of Cumberland county. The subject 
of this brief notice was educated at Dickinson College. Adopting the 
law as his profession, he repaired to Lancaster and studied in the 
office and under the direction of Hon. Jasper Yeates, then one of the 
Judges of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. On his admission to 
the bar he returned to his native place and opened a law office. His 
rise in his profession was rapid. In a few years he was at the head of 
his profession in Cumberland and adjoining counties, which position he 
maintained until he was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of 
the -State of Pennsylvania. This appointment was made by Governor , 
Snyder, on the 14th of March, 18 17, and was made in consequence of I 
the vacancy on that bench created by the death of Judge Yeates, his 
preceptor. 

After Judge Duncan's appointment to the Supreme Court he 
removed to Philadelphia, where he resided until his death, which 
occurred on the 1 6th of November, 1827. 

At the bar Mr. Duncan was distinguished by quickness and acuteness 
of discernment, accurate knowledge of men and things, with a ready 
use of the legal knowledge he so largely possessed. He was also 
remarkably ready in repartee. An instance of this we will briefly 
state. Mr. Duncan's principal competitor at the bar was Dkvid 
Watts, Esq., a distinguished member of the Cumberland bar. Mr. 
Watts was a large and athletic gentleman, whilst Mr. Duncan was of 
small stature and light weight. On one occasion, during a discussion 
on a legal question in court, Mr. Watts, in the heat of his argument, 
made a personal allusion to Mr. Duncan's small stature, and said he 
"could put his opponent in his pocket." "Very well," replied Mr. 
Duncan, "if you do so, you will have more law in your pocket than 
you have in your head." 

During the ten years that Judge Duncan sat upon the Bench he 
contributed largely to the admirable stock of judicial learning which the 
law reports of that period contain. 

These opinions are contained in the Pennsylvania .State Reports, 
commencing with the third volume of Sergeant and Rawle's Reports, 
and ending with the seventeenth volume of the same series, and they 
furnish an enduring monument to his great learning, industry and 
talents. 



AMOS A. McGINLEY, D. D. 

HE subject of this brief biographical sketch was born in the 
vicinity of Fairfield, Adams county, Pennsylvania, in the year 
1778. He was the son of John McGinley and Jane McGinley, 
whose maiden name was Alexander. His grandfather, James Mc- 
Ginley, emigrated from Ireland at an early period in the settlement of 
what v/as then York county, and was one of the four persons who 
purchased from Carrol the tract of land known as "Carrol's Tract." 
His grandmother was a Hollander. Both his grandfather and grand- 
mother, as well as his immediate parents, are represented as being 
intelligent, pious, and useful members of society and of the Presby- 
terian Church. Thus descended from pious parents, he was early 
dedicated to God in covenant. He was the subject of many prayers, 
and was trained up "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Nor 
did God fail in verifyiug to them his most precious promise : — " As for 
me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord ; my Spirit that is 
upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not 
depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of 
the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for 
ever." 

His conversion took place at an early period of life. We have no 
information in regard to the exercises of his mind when this great 
change occurred. But having experienced this change, it decided his 
future course. Having dedicated himself wholly to the Lord, and con- 
sidering himself called upon to do all that in him lay for the salvation 
of sinners and the glory of God ; and as no way suggested itself to 
him which was so full of promise and of hope as the work of the 
ministry, so did he feel himself called upon to prepare for this heaven- 
appointed office. 

Having thus dedicated himself to the Lord Jesus for this service, he 
commenced his preparatory studies with this in view. His classical 
studies were pursued under the direction of the Rev. Mr. Dobbins, in 
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Having finished these, and occasionally 
teaching in order to meet the expenses incurred in receiving his 
education, he entered Dickinson College, then under the Presidency of 
Dr. Nisbet, where he was graduated in 1798. We have been told by 
an aged person who was present at the " Commencement " at which 



2o6 J/-^,V OF MARK. 

young McGinley was graduated, that his appearance was so extremely 
youthful, and he acquitted himself so handsomely on that occasion, in 
the speech which he delivered, that it was received with unbounded 
applause. 

Completing his college course, he pursued his theological studies 
under the direction of his pastor, the Rev. William Paxton, D. D. He 
was licensed by the Presbytery of Carlisle, A. D., 1802, and having 
preached acceptably to the churches of Upper and Lower Path Valley, 
he was invited to become their pastor. He was ordained to the office 
of the ministry and installed pastor of these churches, A. D., 1803. 
These churches to which he was called, and in which he laboured the 
remainder of his days, are located in the northern part of P'ranklin 
county, Pennsylvania, in a beautiful, picturesque and fertile but 
secluded valley. 

Dr. McGinley's preaching was entirely extemporaneous, or from 
brief skeletons which contained only the heads of the several divisions 
of his sermons, and they were not preserved after they had served 
their temporary purpose. They were very often elaborated on his 
way to church. His habit was to start early and ride slowly and alone, 
revolving in his mind the subject upon which he intended to preach. 
He always disliked the labour of composition, and during the latter 
part of his life, he ceased to write altogether. Once, on being asked 
by a young clergyman for a copy of one of his sermons, he told him 
he would have to take his head, for the sermon existed only in it. 

His style was simple and unpretending, and conveyed his meaning 
clearly to the minds of his hearers. He studied brevity and possessed 
the power of seizing upon the salient points of a subject and expressing 
them in few well chosen words. This talent was sometimes turned to 
advantage in the deliberations of Presbytery and Synod. He would 
embody in short resolutions the main features or essential parts of 
matters under discussion, and they were not uncommonly adopted 
without change or amendment. 

His colloquial talents were of a high order. He could talk to the 
young, and converse with those of maturer years, readily adapting his 
ideas and language to the capacities of each. He possessed also 
the faculty of making others talk, and could elicit sensible remarks 
from persons who were usually regarded as rather slow of under- 
standing. He seldom appeared to so much advantage as when 
engaged in animated conversation. It had the effect of awakening the 
higher qualities of his intellect, and in the glow of excitement caused 
by the interchange of thoughts with another, he would give expression 



AMOS A. McGINLEY, D. D. 207 

to grander sentiments and acuter observations than any that appeared 
in his more formal pulpit utterances. Not unfrequently his familiar 
discourses were enlivened by sallies of humour, but they did not verge 
unduly upon levity, and were never of a nature to wound the feelings 
of any one. Being free from egotism, he rarely made himself or his 
own affairs a topic of conversation — never offensively, and only when 
the circumstances or occasion rendered it necessary. It seemed to 
give him more pleasure to bring others forward than to appear 
personally prominent. He was not wont to monopolise in conversa- 
tion, but was careful to observe the equities of it, and was as willing 
to listen as to talk. In his somewhat isolated situation, visits from his 
clerical brethren were a great source of enjoyment to him. They 
afforded opportunities for the discussion — always kindly — of theological 
and ecclesiastical questions, and the exhilaration of mind produced by 
these occasions, would sometimes continue very long after the visitors 
had departed. 

Dr. McGinley's manner was uniformly polite and courteous, not arti- 
ficial or studied — the offspring of a kind heart. Given to hospitality, his 
house was ever open to the visits of his people and their friends. Seldom 
did a week pass without bringing company, sometimes in considerable 
numbers, which always met a generous welcome. Young and old 
came and found entertainment suited to their respective ages. He 
sympathised with them in all their interests and affairs. 

" His ready smile, a pastor's love expressed ; 
Their welfare pleased him, and their woes distressed." 

He was a practical man, fertile in resources, skilful in adapting 
means to ends, and wise to compose difficulties. He was thus fitted to 
be the guide and counselor of his people, both in religious and secular 
matters, and was often called upon to exercise his talents in this way. 
They were wont to resort to him, whether it was a case of conscience 
to be resolved, some perplexity of business to be disentangled, or some 
difference between neighbours to be adjusted ; and they seldom 
departed without being in some degree relieved of their troubles. In 
not a few instances, he wrote wills, and acted as administrator of 
estates and guardian of minor children, for which services he declined 
to receive compensation. 

Dr. McGinley was a close observer of external nature, and quick to 
notice every change that occurred. His knowledge of meteorology, as 
it respected variations of weather, was somewhat astonishing, when it 
is considered that he acquired it by observation, unassisted by the 



2o8 MEN OF MARK. 

instruments which are now used in noting changes of the atmosphere. 
He was the " Probabilities " of the neighbourhood, though his reports 
rarely circulated beyond his own family. He could, in any season of 
the year, prognosticate, with wonderful certainty, the kind of weather 
that would occur within any period of twenty-four hours. This know- 
ledo-e he utilized in such a manner, that he was seldom interrupted by 
the state of the weather in his business or in the performance of his 
parochial duties, for he had usually anticipated and prepared for its 
probable condition. 

Overtaken by old age and the infirmities of nature, and feeling him- 
self unable to perform the duties of the pastoral office. Dr. McGinley 
resio-ned his charge, April, 1851, though he officiated as their stated 
supply until the ensuing October. For nearly fifty years he pro- 
claimed the glorious Gospel of the blessed God to the same com- 
munity, and then, sinking under the burden of years, he yielded his 
pulpit that others might occupy it, and hold up as he had done, Jesus 
crucified, as the hope of a guilty and perishing world. He died May 
1st, 1856, aged seventy-eight years, leaving the wife of his youth and 
three children, one son and two daughters, to mourn his loss, but 
livino- in the e.xpectation of a blessed re-union in heaven. 

"The removal of Dr. McGinley from the church militant to the 
church triumphant," says one who recorded his demise, " is not only a 
loss to that portion of the church with which he was more immediately 
connected, but also to the church in general. In the Presbytery of 
Carlisle his loss is greatly felt. He was one of its most active and 
influential members, one of its wisest counsellors, and most judicious ; 
a firm defender of the faith, and yet always kind and courteous, and 
conciliatory ; one whom all who knew him loved and revered ; one 
whose memory will be embalmed with filial affecdon in many a heart." 



JOSEPH McELROY, D. D., 




S another distinguished son of Cumberland valley. His parents 
were of the staunch and godly Scotch-Irish race. He was 
born near Newville, then called Big Spring, in 1 791, or 1792. 
He obtained his primary education in the school of the vicinage ; but 
when quite a lad was deprived of his father by the hand of death. 
His mother, who was a woman of exemplary piety, and no litde energy, 
removed her family to the county of Washington, near the borders of 
Allegheny. There he resumed his studies, and by great energy' and 
industry, not only assisted his mother in the matter of livelihood, but 
at the same time was qualifying himself for entering college. At an 
early age he entered Jefferson College, Pa., and pursued his studies 
with that diligence which insures success. Soon after he graduated he 
proceeded to New York and entered the Seminary under that prince 
of theological teachers and preachers, Dr. John M. Mason. There he 
was the contemporary of such men as John Knox, W. W. Phillips, 
George Junkin, William R. Dewitt and others of like stamp, and he 
proved himself their peer in most ot the elements of ministerial ability. 
Perhaps none of the students of Dr. Mason caught more of that great 
man's preaching power, than did young McElroy. 

Having completed his theological studies, he returned to west 
Pennsylvania, and presented himself to the Associate Reformed Pres- 
bytery of Monongahela, as a candidate for licensure. His examina- 
tions and trial exercises were highly creditable, but, like George Junkin, 
he did not believe in close c<nn7nimion, and like that fellow student, he 
was on the point of being refused license for that heresy. But inas- 
much as he had no disposition to propagate his opinions on that sub- 
ject, and was willing, whilst a probationer, to abstain from preaching on 
a question so non-essential, they licensed him. This result was brought 
about by the intervention of the Rev. Dr. Riddle, undoubtedly the 
ablest man of the Presbytery and a man of the most Catholic spirit. 

From the day of his licensure, Mr. McElroy became, as a preacher, 
a man of mark, not only in his denomination, but in the whole of 
western Pennsylvania. Possessing a tall and well proportioned form, 
a finely shaped head, long and gracefully moving arms and hands, a 
countenance expressive of benevolent earnestness, and a voice, firm, 
yet melodious and well modulated, he was from the first a very 



2 1 MEN OF MA RK. 

attractive and popular preacher. The writer of this sketch, then quite 
a small boy, has a distinct remembrance of the impression Mr. McElroy 
made upon an audience, when he first appeared as a probationer. 

His services were, of course, eagerly sought by "the vacancies" in 
the Associate Reformed Church, but he declined all offers. Dr. Riddle, 
who served the largest congregation in the region of Pittsburgh, and 
who was beginning to feel the infirmities of years, desired him to 
become co-pastor with himself, but young McElroy preferred building 
on a foundation of his own laying, and he proposed to his venerable 
friend to commence a new enterprise in the city of Pittsburgh, then 
rapidly growing in manufacturing and commercial importance. Dr. < 
Riddle approved of the undertaking. There was a sm.all Associate ! 
Church, and a Covenanter, (Reformed Presbyterian,) in Pittsburgh, the 
former served by Dr. Bruce, the latter by Dr. Black ; but no attempt j 
had been made to establish an Associate Reformed congregation. 
Mr. McElroy undertook the enterprise single handed. He obtained 
from the County Commissioners leave to hold public service in the 
Court House, in Pittsburgh. It was customary, in all the western j 
counties to use the Court House for such purposes ; and all denomina- 
tions shared in the privilege. 

Mr. McElroy began his labours in 181-. His audiences were small 
at first, but did not long continue so. He was an eloquent preacher, a 
man of fine address and attractive manners ; and his pulpit perform- 
ances were a novelty in that Scotch-Irish city. With all the doctrinal 
exactness and logical arrangement of sermons demanded by the old 
fashioned Presbyterians, he added a freshness and energy of manner 
and an attractiveness of style, to which the people were unused. With 
all the disadvantage of Rouse's version of the Psalms, and the other 
peculiarities of his sect, the Court House became the point of attraction, 
not only for those who inclined to the Associate Reformed Church, 
but for the educated men and women of the city. Mr. McElroy was 
a niouoriter preacher, yet never, or rarely wrote his serrnons. He 
was a careful student, and never entered the pulpit without thorough 
preparation. Thus, independent of paper, and thoroughly master of 
his subject, he was free to add to the energy and graces of his style 
great force of delivery and action. Dr. Merron, the pastor of the First 
Presbyterian Church, the leading one of the city, was a good preacher, 
but was trammeled by manuscript. Mr. McElroy was free, graceful 
and energetic in delivery and action. 

It was not to be wondered at, then, that he soon gathered round him 
a strong congregation, and that many men of high intelligence attended 



JOSEPH McELROY, D. D. 211 

upon his ministrations. Such men as the late judge Shaler, Judge 
Bahvin, and others, became very much interested in his preaching. A 
commodious church was built, and thus was founded, by his labours, 
the First Associate Reformed Church of Pittsburgh. The great Mason, 
his theological preceptor, once rode on horseback from New York to 
Pittsburgh to assist his pupil at a communion season ; which showed 
the appreciation of that gifted man of the subject of this sketch. When 
the Presbytery met for his ordination, objection was made on account of 
his opinions on Catholic communion ; but a majority voted to ordain 
him ; yet two ministers, who strenuously opposed the ordination, would 
not join in the laying on of hands, but remained during the solemnity 
in Bitler's tavern drinking gin. 

Mr. McElroy was married to Miss Alison, of Canonsburg. George 
Junkin was his groomsman. The marriage was solemnized by the 
celebrated Dr. John McMillan, and when the groomsman tendered 
him the usual fee, he shook his head and declined taking the fee, 
quaintly saying, " No, no ; dog won't eat dog." Dr. McElroy continued 
in a prosperous pastorate in Pittsburgh some years. Meanwhile his 
beloved wife died, leaving a daughter to his care. He subsequently 
married Mrs. Pointell, daughter of the late Judge Walker, and sister of 
the Hon. Robert J. Walker, late Secretary of the United States Treasury, 
and Senator of the United States. She was a woman of peculiar loveli- 
ness and talent. 

Dr. McElroy was subsequently called to the church formerly served 
by Dr. Mason — the Scotch Church, New York — then located in Cedar 
street. The church had been weakened by various causes, one of 
which had been the organization of a new church in Murray street, for 
Dr. Mason ; another was that the process of moving " up town " and 
leaving lower New York to trade, had already commenced. But 
under Dr. McElroy's eloquent and efficient ministry, and his great 
prudence and wisdom in counseling his people, the church rapidly 
grew in numbers and also in wealth, so that they soon contemplated a 
change of locality. As the result, the congregation purchased a site at 
corner of Grand and Crosby streets, and built a spacious and elegant 
church with marble front and pillars. There the Doctor's ministry was 
continued with eminent success, and the larg-e edifice was filled with 
hearers, whilst the communion roll was vastly increased. Not many 
years had rolled around, when another migration of the congregation 
of the Scotch Church seemed necessary. Many of the people had 
gone far " up town " for their residences, and business was beginning 
to press around their place of worship. This change of locality was 



2 1 2 MEN OF MARK. 

not so easily effected as the former. Many were slow to see the 
necessity of the change, but such was the influence and address of Dr. 
McElroy, and such the wisdom and skill of his management, that, with 
not many dissenting voices, the congregation agreed to the change. A 
site was procured upon that grand thoroughfare. Fourteenth street, 
near Sixth avenue, and the spacious and elegant brown stone structure 
was erected which is still occupied by the congregation. The church 
in Grand street was sold to another congregation of Presbyterians ; 
and the Doctor's labours were transferred to the new locality. 

There he continued to labour with great energy and success, until 
increasing years and failing health constrained him to seek assistance 
in the pastorate. He has had two co-pastors previous to the present 
one, Rev. Samuel M. Hamilton. Mr. McElroy still lives in a good old 
age. He has seen many afflictions, and has ripened under them for 
the better land. He has been four times married, and survives all his 
partners. They were all superior women ; of eminent piety, prudence 
and social position. Miss McLanahan, a native of Cumberland valley, 
was his third, and Mrs. Jeffray, of New York, his fourth. 

The^subject of this sketch was a man of mark and of great influence, 
whilst strength remained. Not only was he a great preacher and 
attractive pastor, but he was a wise counsellor, and a man of great dis- 
cernment, sounci judgment and prudent discretion. He rarely spoke 
in the church courts, but when he did, it was with weight, such as 
usually secured the success of his recommendations. He was a man 
for executive zvork — knew men and how to measure them — knew things 
and how to manage them discreetly. He was, during his active life, a 
member of most of our Church Boards, and his counsels were always 
sought and heeded. His church was always amongst the most liberal 
in our body, and his business tact challenged respect in all affairs of 
public interest. 

But he is passing away, and in a few weeks, or years at the farthest, 
he will be numbered with the distinguished sons of the valley who are 
no more on earth. 




HON. JAMES HAMILTON. 

|AMES HAMILTON was commissioned President Judge of the 
Ninth Judicial District by Governor McKean, on March ist, 
iSo6, and died at Gettysburg, the 13th of March, 18 19, having 
gone there in the discharge of the duties of his judicial office. His age 
was sixty-seven years. 

His wife was Sarah Thompson, a daughter of Gen. William Thomp- 
son, who was a man of distinction in his day, and an officer of our Revo- 
lutionary Army. Judge Hamilton had two children who survived him; 
a daughter, Susan H., who was married to the Rev. J. E. V. Thorn, of 
Carlisle, and died childless, on the 9th of November, 1867; and a son, 
James Hamilton, Esq., who died on the 23d of January, 1873; he 
never married, and the name and blood of Hamilton is now extinct in 
Carlisle. No one now at the bar of Cumberland county ever prac- 
tised under Judge Hamilton. But few ever saw him. George Metz- 
gar, Esq., now ninety-three years of age, but in the full possession of 
his mental faculties, is the only living member of the bar that practised 
when he presided. 

Judge Hamilton was born and educated in Ireland, and was a lawyer 
when he came to Cumberland county. He held the office of Deputy 
Attorney-General or Prosecuting Attorney for several years before he 
was appointed Judge. In this office he gained the reputadon of a 
most industrious officer. He prosecuted for conviction as unrelent- 
ingly as ever did a Crown officer in the land of his birth. So much 
was this the case, -and so unpopular was the part he had taken, that 
when he took his seat on the bench he found inscribed on the walls of 
the old court house, in large letters, the words, " More Leniency." 

It is likely that the education he received In Ireland had a part in 
forming his nodons of duty, not only as a prosecuting officer but also 
as a presiding judge ; for as soon as he assumed the judicial office, he 
required the sheriff and two tipstaves to escort him from his residence 
to the court house and thence back to his residence. This was a duty 
imposed on the sheriff which was not only new but irksome to him 
and the tipstaves, and one against which he rebelled, and, it Is said, 
had himself relieved of by legislative interference. It was probably 
more waywardness of mind and the want of adaptation of manners to 
the disposidon of the people, than lack of ability or" confidence in his 
14 



214 MEN OF MARK. 

integrity, that led to his impeachment before the Senate. His trial 
took place and resulted in his acquittal, at Lancaster. His counsel 
was Wm. Hopkins, Esq., then an eminent member of that bar. 

During his term the leading lawyers at the Carlisle bar were, David 
Watts, Esq., and Hon. Thomas Duncan, afterwards a Judge of the 
Supreme Court of the state. They were two of the most remarkable 
men then living in the state, of great fame and large practice. The 
characteristics of their minds were marked and widely different. Mr. 
Watts was a man of very positive character, of great grasp and vigour 
of mind, fonder of arguing his causes upon principle than hunting up 
cases with facts assimilated to the one at bar. Judge Duncan was a 
man of acute mind, of amazing industry, and was possessed of a re- 
tentive memory, and thus, when arguing a case in court, was ever 
ready with an authority at hand with which to persuade the court that 
the point was there ruled. Judge Hamilton also was a student, but 
lacked always self-confidence, and was more inclined to take what he 
was told ruled the case, than to trust to his own judgment or the reason 
of the law. This often led him, as it ever has done others, into error ; 
and resulted in frequent reversals by the Supreme Court; and there 
is a legend here that the following strange Act of Assembly was passed 
at his instance, to get rid of the multitudinous authorities with which 
Judge Duncan was wont to confuse his judgment : 

Be it enacted, etc., "That from and after the first day of May next, it shall not be 
lawful to read or quote in any court of this Commonwealth any British precedent or 
adjudication which may have been given or made subsequent to the fourth of July, in 
the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six. Provided, that nothing herein 
shall be construed to prohibit the reading of any precedent of maritime law, or of the 
law of nations." Approved the nineteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred 
and ten. Pamphlet Laws, 1810, page 136. 

Whether this was true or not, to any extent, it was no doubt certain 
that Judge Hamilton had a stormy time of it, holding the reins of justice 
with two such coursers as Watts and Duncan for leaders. As time 
advanced his career became more popular. It is likely that his man- 
ners changed, and the people began to recognize those excellent quali- 
ties which do not attract the casual observer ; such as his industry, his 
prompt attention to the business of the court, and above all his un- 
questioned honesty. There has no blemish, not even the suspicion of 
a blemish, on his judicial integrity, come down to the present day. 
The universal judgment of men, from all that is known and all that is 
reported of him, is, that he was perfecdy honest, impartial, just and 
upright. 




JOHN BOGGS, M. D. 

. JOHN BOGGS, born August 17th, 1787, was the youngest 
of six children. 

Having lost his father at an early age, he was adopted by 
his uncle. Dr. Johnston, who was able to give him not only a classical 
education and the use of his extensive library, but the further advan- 
tage of association with his own cultivated mind. The boy thus 
adopted proved to be studious and reflective, and became a fine classi- 
cal scholar. He was the college class-mate of Thomas McCulloh, 
Matthew St. Clair Clarke, John H. Clarke, and many others who were 
men of mark. After leaving college. Dr. Boggs studied medicine 
with Dr. McClellan, of Greencastle, and attended lectures at the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia. Before he was through with 
his medical course, he was summoned home by the serious illness of 
his uncle, an illness which speedily terminated in his death. The will 
once made by this uncle, leaving John his heir, had been destroyed, 
and he found himself obliged at once to begin the practice of medicine. 
After trying Huntingdon county. Pa., and finding but a poor opening 
there for a physician. Dr. Boggs decided to try some other locality. 
He was offered sfreat inducements in Cincinnati, but the declining 
health of his mother decided him to settle in Greencastle, and practice 
there as partner of his old preceptor. Dr. McClellan. He first went to 
Baltimore, passed an examination before the Medical Faculty of the 
University of Maryland, and received a diploma. 

About this time, while the war of 181 2 was in progress, a call came 
for recruits, and was promptly responded to by the young men of 
Franklin county. Dr. Boggs joined Company 3, Franklin county 
Volunteers, and went with it to Baltimore, September 8th, 181 4. There 
his company, with several others, was formed into a regiment, of which 
Dr. McClellan was appointed surgeon, and Dr. Boggs assistant sur- 
geon. They were emergency men, and their services were needed 
but a short time. After this Dr. Boggs returned to Greencastle. 
resumed the practice of medicine, and four years later married Isabella 
Craig, daughter of William Allison. His practice became very large 
and necessitated his traversing a wide circuit of country on horseback. 
He was singularly successful as a physician, and had a strong hold on 
the confidence and affection of the families under his medical care 



2 1 6 MEN OF MARK. 

Families, in times of sickness and affliction, looked as eagerly for the 
coming of Dr. Boggs, in his capacity of Christian friend and comforter, 
as in that of a healer of bodily illness. 

In 1825, he was ordained an Elder in the Presbyterian Church of 
Greencastle, and in the discharge of the duties connected with this 
office was earnestly and actively engaged until his death. 

A man of deep religious fervour and strong attachment to the church 
of his choice, he was yet wholly free from the narrowness of sectarian 
bigotry. Ministers of all denominations partook alike of the hospi- 
tality of his house — a house in which the "Prophet's Chamber" was 
rarely untenanted — and all were made equally welcome to his pro- 
fessional services. During his thirty years' residence in Franklin 
county Dr. Boggs received many proofs of the esteem and affection of 
the community, and now that more than a quarter of a century has 
passed since he joined the "great multitudes," his memory is still 
fondly cherished in many hearts. 

On a monument in the burial ground of the "Old Red Church" 
there is an inscription, in few and simple words, that tells the sweet 
story of his life : 

"John Boggs, M. D., born August i8th, 1787. Died July 12th, 1847. 

"An eminent physician, a faithful elder, an affectionate husband, father 
and friend, a useful citizen, a humble Christian ; his life was piety, his 
death was peace." 

His wife died two years later, leaving five sons and three daughters. 



' 




HON. DAVID FULLERTON. 

ORN in Cumberland valley, (1772,) and of the predominant 
stock, Mr. Fullerton was highly esteemed, and is, to this day, 
prominently remembered as one of the most honest, active 
and self-denying representatives who ever served the people. 

He was for many years in the Senate of the state' (in 1832) as re- 
presentative from Franklin county, and also in the Congress of the 
United States, (in 1828.) While in the State Senate he gave much of 
his time and attention in opposition to the construction of the then 
projected railroad (" tape worm ") from Gettysburg to Hagerstown, 
having as his most active opponent the late Hon. Thaddeus .Stevens, 
of Lancaster. Mr. Fullerton, as he then stated in an address before 
the Senate, had " traveled over the mountains for upwards of fifty 
years, * ''' * and was confident the work was to cost double the 
amount of the estimate." He then produced and presented before 
that body careful estimates of the actual cost of the road, made after a 
personal survey of the whole route. 

While in Congress Mr. Fullerton, in a matter of considerable agita- 
tion throughout the country, voted contrary to the views of some of his 
constituents, and for this act he was burnt in effigy in Carlisle. He 
was much incensed, and immediately resigned. He was urged to re- 
turn, but declined. His whole career as a representative was marked 
by the highest integrity, combined with the most active measures for 
the good of the people. 

Until near the close of his life Mr. Fullerton possessed considerable 
property in Greencastle and vicinity. He was also President of the 
bank at Greencastle, and conducted the leading mercantile business of 
the town. Certain irregularities of others in connection with the bank 
led him to make a total sacrifice of his very considerable wealth, soon 
after which he died, (February ist, 1843.) The railroad and other 
improvements of Franklin county are in a great measure due to his 
disinterested energy in behalf of the public welfare. 

In the support of the church he was always in the lead ; an elder in 
the Presbyterian Church of Greencastle, a regular correspondent of 
Rev. Dr.' Knox, of New York, and others prominent in the church, and 
the first superintendent of the earliest (18 17,) Sabbath-school organi- 
zation known of in the historj' of the place of his residence. 



2i8 MEN OF MARK. 

Mr. Fullerton was the father of the Rev. Matthew Fullerton, for a 
time the esteemed pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Hagerstown, 
but called from his earthly labours to his heavenly reward in his early 
ministry. He stood deservedly high in the community in which he so 
long lived. Many yet affectionately cherish his memory, as an intelli- 
gent, upright and useful cidzen, keeping steadily in view life's great 
aim. Being dead, he yet speaketh. 



COM. JESSE DUNCAN ELLIOTT, U. S. N. 




ESSE DUNCAN ELLIOTT, was born at Hagerstown, Md., 
July 14th, 1782. His parents were Pennsylvanians by birth. 
Young Elliott lost his father when at a tender age. Colonel 
Robert Elliott, who was a contractor in the United States army, was 
killed in 1 794 by the Indians, while traveling from Fort Washington 
to Fort Hamilton with his servant. The Colonel being somewhat 
advanced in life wore a wig. The savage who shot him, in haste to 
take his scalp, drew his knife, and seized him by the hair. To his 
astonishment the scalp came off at the first touch. The wretch 
exclaimed, in broken English ; " damn lie." The body was recovered 
and was buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery, and was subsequently 
re-interred by his son, then Commodore Elliott, in the city of Cin- 
cinnati, and a suitable monument erected to his memory. The 
Colonel's pocket book, containing papers and a lock of hair, were 
purchased from the Indians by an American officer, at the Greenville 
Treaty, in 1795, who handed them over to the Colonel's son, since 
Commodore Elliott.* 

Mrs. Elliott, by the death of her husband, was left in a destitute con- 
dition, and through the exertion, of John Thompson Mason, a promi- 
nent citizen of that day, of Washington county, Md., Congress voted a 
small gratuity for the relief of the relict of a brave officer, and Thomas 
Jefferson, then President of the United States, deprecating the parsi- 
mony of the grant, forwarded warrants for midshipman in the Navy 
to young Elliott and his brother, St. Clair. The warrants were dated 
April 2d, 1804, and were accompanied by orders attaching the subject 
of our sketch to the Essex, Captain James Barron, while St. Clair was 
assigned to the President. 

The Essex sailed for the Barbary States, on the Mediterranean, to 
humble them, negotiated a peace with Tripoli, and brought home the 
crew of the Philadelphia, who had been confined in the dungeons of 
that city. In 1807, Elliott was attached to the ill-fated Chesapeake, and 
again departed for the Mediterranean, which vessel while on her 
voyage, was attacked by the British ship Leopard, and as the attack 

* In a letter received February 2d, 1875, '■'o™ Mrs. Elliott, widow of Commodore Elliott, who is 
residing at York, Pa., at the advanced age of S3 years, she states that the scalp lock and pocket book 
spoken of are still in her possession, also the flag that was fought under, at Lake Erie. 



2 20 ^lEN OF MARK. 

was sudden, and from a vessel beloncrincr to a nation with which our 
country was at peace, the Chesapeake was obliged to strike her Mag. 

Midshipman Elliott was promoted to a Lieutenancy on board the 
John Adams, April 23d, 1810, and was bearer of dispatches to our Min- 
ister, William Pinckney, at the Court of St. James. Lieutenant Elliott 
was a warm admirer of his country, and stood up for his flag in public 
and private. A little incident that occurred during his five months' stay 
in London, shows his spirit. After delivering some dispatches he was 
advised by Mr. Pinckney to take lodgings at Hatchell's Hotel, with a 
view of being near his residence. Whilst taking his tea, a stranger 
took a seat by his side, and noticing his uniform, which somewhat 
resembled the British, he observed, " I believe there is a Yankee fri- 
gate on the coast?" "Yes," was the Lieutenant's reply. " What's she 
after," he again observed, and added, " I reckon she's after the Chesa- 
peake affair; they had better let that alone," &c. He then lavished all 
manner of abuse on the Yankees and their country. Lieutenant 
Elliott handed him his card, and said, " Sir, you are now addressing a 
Yankee, as you call us, and an officer of the frigate in the Downs. 
There's my card." The stranger not apologizing, Elliott stepped to 
the person in waiting, and said, " Sir, you put a scoundrel, instead of a 
gentleman in the box with me ; he has grossly insulted me. There's 
my card ; give it to him, and tell him I demand his." By this time the 
fellow had slipped out and was not heard of afterwards. 

About this time,(i8io-i I,) Lieutenant Elliott conveyed an important 
message to Admiral Sir John Borles Warren, in the Patriot. This was 
the ill-fated schooner in which Colonel Burr's daughter was afterwards 
lost at sea. In 1812, he was attached to the command of Commodore 
Isaac Chauncey, at Sackett's Harbor, and on the declaration of war 
against Great Britain was sent by him to the upper lakes to purchase 
vessels, and make other preparations for the creation of a naval force 
in those waters. While he was at Black Rock engrag-ed in the service, 
two armed British frigates, the Detroit and Caledonia, anchored, Octo- 
ber 1 2th, 1 81 2, near the opposite shore, under the guns of Fort Erie. 
A boat expedition was organized under Elliott's command, and the 
vessels were boarded and carried with but slight loss, a little after mid- 
night, October 8th. The Caledonia was safely brought over to the 
American side, but the Detroit was compelled to drop down the river, 
passing the British batteries under a heavy fire, and afterward was 
burned by the Americans, most of her stores having first been 
removed. 

He boarded, sword in hand, the two vessels of war, and carried them 



COM. JESSE DUNCAN ELLIOTT, U. S. N. 221 

in ten minutes. He made one hundred and tlii ty prisoners, with their 
officers, and released forty of his own countrymen from captivity. 
They belonged to the 4th United States regiment. Elliott entered, 
the first man on boarding, and opposed three of the enemy with no 
other weapon than a cutlass. The Hon. Henry Clay, when the new army 
bill was discussed in the House of Representatives, January, i 813, said: 
"The capture of the Detroit, and the destruction of the Caledonia, 
(whether placed to our marine or land account,) for judgment, skill, 
and courage on the part of Lieutenant Elliott, has never been sur- 
passed." 

For this gallant exploit Congress passed the following resolutions : 

"That the President of the United States be and he is hereby authorized to have dis- 
tributed, as prize money, to Lieutenant Elliott, his officers and companions, or to their 
widows and children, hvelve thousand dollars, for the capture and destruction of the 
British brig Detroit ; and also, 

" Resolved, That the President of the United States be and he is hereby requested to 
present to Lieutenant Elliott, of the United States Navy, an elegant sword, with suitable 
emblems and devices, in testimony of the just sense entertained by Congress of his 
gallantry and good conduct in boarding and capturing the British brigs Detroit and 
Caledonia, while anchored under the protection of Fort Erie." 

In July, 181 3, he was promoted to the rank of Master Commandant, 
and appointed to the Niagara, a brig of about 20 guns, on Lake Erie. 
In Perry's engagement with the British squadron, September loth, 
181 3, Elliott was second in command, and a gold medal was voted to 
him by Congress for his conduct on the occasion. This engag-ement 
has become such a matter of history, that we have been tempted to 
copy Commodore Elliott's own account of the part he took in the 
engagement, although it is of some length. 

" On reaching the head of Lake Ontario 1 was shown a letter by 
Commodore Chauncey, received from Captain O. H. Perry, senior 
officer on Lake Erie, in which a call was made for one hundred 
seamen, and with me as their Commander, he was pleased to say, that 
he would insure victor}' on the waters of Lake Erie. The opportunity 
to me was too tempting to be permitted to pass away, and I consented, 
with the condition that, after the capture of the British fleet, I should be 
permitted to return and join him in the great action on Lake Ontario. 
Accordingly I departed for Lake Erie, taking with me more than one 
hundred efficient men. IVIeeting Captain Perry at Presque Isle, I at 
once took command of the Niagara, of twenty guns ; directing all my 
efforts in the organization of a crew, and practising them constantly in 
the use of the battery, and I did not land at Erie until we had con- 



2 2 2 MEN OF MARK. 

quered the enemy. On the following day we proceeded to the head of 
the lake, off Sandusky, and received on board Gen. Harrison, the other 
general officers, Col. Gaines, the young and heroic Croghan, and the 
Indian chiefs who were with them. After their departure we pro- 
ceeded to our new anchorage at Put-in-Bay, and there made our 
calculations for future operations. Our first move was to proceed with 
all our force in view to Maiden, to challenge the enemy's fleet to com- 
bat, and to intimidate the Indians. But failing in our views, we 
returned to Put-in-Bay. Captain Perry then received a communication 
from General Harrison, stating that unless the difificulty of the British 
fleet on Lake Erie was removed, he might be compelled to go into 
winter quarters, and thus would reluctantly fail in his contemplated 
plans. This suggested the necessity of some desperate and effective 
act. Accordingly, Perry and myself agreed upon again going over 
and giving them a feeling shot, with the hope of thus drawing them 
out; and in the event of that failing, we were to procure boats and 
men from Gen. Harrison, proceed over in the night in two divisions, 
respectively led by each of us, and burn the British vessels under their 
own guns. However, after the second attempt to get them out, they 
appeared in the offing on the morning of the loth of September, when 
we immediately got under weigh, and endeavoured to work out of port 
(having a head wind) for the combat. The wind soon favouring, we 
stretched out sufficiently clear, when signal was made to form the 
established order of battle ; the Niagara in the van. Being to wind- 
ward we had it in our power to fight them as we pleased, and with a 
kind of metal, if properly used, to make the action short. Believing 
from the frequent opportunities I had had of encountering the enemy, 
that I could successfully lead the van of our line, I previously solicited 
and obtained the position. But when approaching the enemy nearly 
within gunshot. Captain Perry made signal to come within hail. I 
backed my main-top-sails and edged off the line. Captain Perry then 
asked to converse with my marine officer. Captain Brevoort, of the 
army, whose family lived in Detroit, and he learned from him the name 
and force of each ship in the British line. The Detroit being in the 
van. Captain Perry remarked to me that as the enemy's senior officer 
was heading their line, he thought it his duty to lead ours, and ordered 
me to take his place, under the stern of the Caledonia. The change 
was accordingly made, and our line formed, as sworn to by all the 
witnesses examined on the point, before the Naval Court, at New York, 
in 1815. When within i^ miles of the enemy, their ship, the Detroit, 
with her long guns, commenced a fire upon the Lawrence, Captain 



COM. JESSE DUNCAN ELLIOTT, U. S. N. 2 2'' 

Perry, at the head of our line. A few minutes after, about 12 o'clock, 
M., (both lines on an angle of 150°) — the head of our line reaching- 
only to the third vessel in theirs — the Lawrence rounded to and com- 
menced firing, aided by the two gun boats on her weather bow. 

" The British fleet was in the following order : Chippewa, Detroit, 
Hunter, Queen Charlotte, Lady Prevost, and Little Belt. 

" The American, thus : Lawrence, with two schooners, Scorpion and 
Ariel, on her weather bow, distance from her two hundred yards ; 
Caledonia and Niagara in close order with the Lawrence, perhaps 
half a cable's length apart, (about 120 yards,) and the four gun boats 
astern, distance three-fourths of a mile. 

" Immediately after the Lawrence had opened her battery, the firino- 
became general along our whole line. On perceiving the shot of all 
our carronades to fall short of the enemy, I ordered the long guns 
shifted over against them, knowing the distance to be too great, and 
observing the Queen Charlotte bear up from our fire, I determined to 
run through the line after her, and directed the weather braces to be 
manned for that purpose. But there stood by me as good a seaman 
perhaps as our Navy ever had in it ; I allude to Humphrey McGrath, 
purser, and formerly a lieutenant in the service, who, observing my 
movements, asked me to pause a moment, and then directing my 
attention to the slackening fire of the Lawrence and her crippled condi- 
tion, remarked that if the British effected the weather-gage we were 
gone. I at once saw the propriety of the observation, passed forward 
to the forecastle, (my flying jib boom over the stern of the Caledonia,) 
and ordered Lieutenant Turner to put his helm up sufficiently to allow 
me to pass. This he at first refused, stating that he was then in his 
station in the line. Afterwards, however, on a repetition of the order, 
he did so, changing his position perhaps fifteen yards, and letting me 
pass him, he again luffed up into his position. At this time the 
Lawrence ceased her fire entirely, and no signal being made, after the 
first, to form in the order of battle, I concluded that the senior officer 
was killed. The breeze now freshening, I observed that the whole 
British fleet drew ahead, cheering along their entire line. I then set top- 
gallant sail, fore and aft mainsail and foresail, and passed within twenty 
yards of the Lawrence, still not seeing Captain Perry. Having now 
exhausted nearly all my twelve pound round shot, I ordered Mr. McGrath 
with a few brace men to proceed in my boat to the Lawrence and bring 
me all hers ; and immediately steered directly for the head of the British 
line, firing continually my whole starboard battery on them as I passed. 
When I reached within two hundred and fifty yards of the beam of the 



2 24 MEN OF MARK. 

Detroit and ahead of the Queen Charlotte, I hiffed on a wind, and 
commenced a most deadly fire, the Niagara then being the only vessel 
of our fleet in what I call close action. The British were just before 
cheering for victory, but their cheers were now turned into groans, and 
the blood ran from the scuppers of the Detroit and Queen Charlotte, 
like water from the spouts of your houses in a moderate rain. The 
Lady Prevost luffed from her station in the British line and attempted 
to cross our bow for the purpose, as I thought, of raking us. I imme- 
diately ordered the marines under Captain Brevoort to proceed to the 
bow of the ship and fire upon her, which had the effect to force her 
back into their line. While thus engaged, a boat was reported as 
coming from the .St. Lawrence, and believing it to be my own boat with 
the shot, I directed Midshipman Smith to stand by and pass them out. 
He returned, however, with the report that it was not our boat, but 
one of the Lawrence's. I looked over the stern and saw Capt. Perry 
in it, whom I met as he came over the side, asking what was the result 
on board his brig. He answered, ' Cut all to pieces — the victory s lost, 
everything gone I Vvc been sacrificed by the gun boats! To which 
I replied, ' No, sir, victory is yet on our side. I have a most judi- 
cious position, and my shot are taking great efiect. You tend my battery, 
and I will bring up the gun boats! ' Do so,' said he, ' for Hcavetis 
sake! 

"I immediately passed over the side into his boat, and pulled by the 
Lawrence, passing between her and the enemy. I hailed each gun 
boat as I passed, ordering it to make sail, get out the sweeps and press 
up for the head of the line, and to cease firing at the small vessels of 
the enemy astern. I then returned to the headmost gun boat, the 
Somers. Capt. Perry now perceiving the two ships foul, (being ren- 
dered so by the attempt of the Detroit to wear round and bring her 
starboard battery into action, the larboard having been destroyed, in a 
great measure, by the imperfect construction of her gun carriages, and 
the Queen Charlotte running up under her lee, and thus becoming 
entangled,) and observing that the gun boats were rapidly coming up, 
made the signal for close action, and then bore up, passing between 
the Chippewa and the two ships, Detroit and Queen Charlotte, while I 
shortened sail, with the four stern-most gun boats in line abreast, 
under the sterns of the two latter; distance, perhaps, 150 or 200 yards. 
Soon after the Bridsh ensigns were hauled down. The flag of the 
enemy's commander being nailed to the mast it could not be hauled 
down, and consequendy an officer came aft and waved a white hand- 



COM. JESSE DUNCAN ELLIOTT, U.S.N. 225 

kerchief on a boarding pike as a signal of submission, when I ordered 
the gun boats to cease firing. After the enemy had struck, the head- 
most and sternmost vessels of their line, the Chippewa and Little Belt, 
put up their helms, made sail, and attempted to escape ior Maiden, but 
were pursued by the gun boats, captured and brought back. 

" As soon as we had ceased firing I went on board the Detroit to take 
possession, and such was the quantity of blood on the deck that in 
crossing it my feet slipped from under me and I fell, my clothing be- 
coming completely saturated and covered with gore. I went below to 
see Capt. Barclay, who tendered me his sword ; but I refused it, and 
anticipated the wishes of Capt. Perry, by assuring him that every 
kindness would be shown himself and other prisoners. While on 
board the Detroit, I ordered my coxswain to go aloft and draw the 
nails which held the British flag to the mast. These nails I presented, 
through the hands of my old townsman, Dr. Richard Pindel, to the 
man who was so blessed as to cjain the heart of one of Washineton 
county's fairest daughters — the charming Lucretia Hart. It was to 
her illustrious husband, Henry Clay, of Kentucky, to whom I felt 
under obligations, for a high encomium pronounced the winter before, 
in Congress, upon the capture of the Detroit and Caledonia, that I 
presented the nails that were intended to hold the British flag aloft 
through victory. 

" Returning on board the Niagara I was met at the gangway by Capt. 
Perry, who asked me if I was wounded ; I answered him, ' No.' He 
then observed to me that ' he thought it was impossible I could have 
pulled down the line without being killed.' He further remarked, ' / 
oivc this victory to your gallantry !' I then asked him why he did not 
stand further on and let us get fairly into action. He said he found 
the enemy's shot taking effect on his crew, and therefore, to divert the 
attentions of his men from their fire, he rounded to sooner than he 
intended." 

Capt. Elliott received the following complimentary letter from the 
officers of the Niagara : 

U. S. Brig Niagara, Sept. iglh, 181J. 
Capt. Elliott. 

Sir: — We, the officers of the U. S. Brig Niagara, under your command, with the 
most profound respect, congratulate you on our late victory over the British squadron, 
well convinced that in you we were ably commanded, and that your valour, intrepidity 
and skill could not be surpassed. You have, sir, our most ardent wish for future pros- 



226 MEN OF MARK. 

perity and happiness, both in your official and private capacity, and may your future 
naval career ever be as brilliant as the present. 
Receive, sir, the assurance of our greatest respect. 

J. E. SMITH, Lieut, 

H. McGRATH, Purser. 

NELSON WEBSTER, Lieut. 

J. J. EDWARDS, Lieut. 

ROBERT B. BARTON, Surgeon. 

H. B. BREVOORT, 2d U. S. Inf. 

All who are familiar with the history of our country, are aware that 
many persons thought, that to the decisive action and gallantry of 
Elliott and the crew of the Niagara the victory was due. Politicians 
of both parties fanned these embers of dissatisfaction into a flame, a 
fierce newspaper war raged, and some ill feeling was raised between 
Perry and Elliott. 

Many years passed. The gallant Perry had made his last voyage. 
In the fall of 1843, Commodore Elliott visited his native place. His 
fellow-citizens invited him to a formal dinner, which invitation he saw 
fit to decline, but at their earnest solicitation delivered to them an 
address* and thus referred to his former comrade : " Permit me now, 
friends, to remark, in reference to Captain Perry, that up to the time I 
went on board my brig, the Niagara, after the battle had ceased, I 
found him to be noble, gallant, high minded and honourable ; and no 
man in my presence shall say aught against him ! Let history tell the 
balance ! That history contains the registry of unceasing persecutions, 
dark and ingenious conspiracies, unmitigated and vindictive assaults 
upon me, by those who pretended to be his friends. But, so help me 
God, I do solemnly declare, that I believe him to have been the victim 
of their hollow hypocrisy, as I have been the object of their infamous 
and vile slanders ! When the universal enemy had stricken him and 
laid him low, I taught my heart to cast away all unfriendliness towards 
his memory ; and now that the grave holds him captive, there is a full, 
deep oblivion of all that has passed in my breast. In religious sincerity, 
I say, peace, eternal peace, to the brave and gallant Perry, and before 
my eternal Judge, I declare that there is no hand, instinct with life, that 
is more ready to deck his tomb with laurels, than this same one, which 
once grasped his when congratulating him upon our victory. 

"There were many circumstances which impelled me to the move- 
ments I made in this battle. The recollection of a father, who had 

* This address Commodore Elliott, after much solicitation, allowed to be published, as reported, and we 
here make a general .acknowledgment to it. 



COM. JESSE DUNCAN ELLIOTT, U. S. N 227 

fallen in defence of that frontier which was attempted to be wrested 
from us — its then exposed condition — the urgent necessity for decided 
demonstrations, the love of country, and my burning desire to emulate 
the gallantry of another Washington county boy, the brave Israel, who 
threw himself on board the Intrepid, at Tripoli, for the purpose of 
destroying the Tripolitan fleet, and who, when discovered, rather than 
yield himself a prisoner, with his brave companions, applied the torch 
to the magazine, and went in one common wreck to the other world." 

These daring exploits form a brilliant page in our country's history, 
and they have been emblazoned in prose and song. In October, 181 3, 
he succeeded Perry in command on Lake Erie, and in 181 5, he com- 
manded the Ontario sloop-of-war, one of the squadron of Commodore 
Decatur, employed against Algiers, and contributed to the capture of 
an Algerine frigate by a discharge of heavy fire into her. He was 
promoted to the rank of Captain, March 27th, 1818, and till 1824, was 
engaged in selecting sites for dockyards, light-houses, and fortifications, 
on the coast of North Carolina. Life at sea is fraught with many 
dangers. Captain Elliott had many narrow escapes from death. We 
have space for but one, which he thus relates : — 

"When I left Norfolk to join General Bernard in the coast survey, I 
embarked in a small percimga, or boom foresail schooner, heavily 
laden with cedar, wines, birds, &c., not having any other opportunity 
to suit my immediate wishes. During this voyage an accident 
occurred, which, had it not been for the efforts of a brave and affec- 
tionate tar, would have brought me to my last account. One morning, 
the sea being boisterous and running high, I took a seat on the davit 
projecting from the stern, and to which the stern boat is hoisted. In 
one of the schooner's heavy plunges this davit gave way, precipitating 
me overboard. I was soon carried out of the sight of all on board, 
and was given up as gone by all but the tar above alluded to, who 
determined to go where I was last seen at any rate. Accordingly he 
descended to the bow of the boat, she hanging by the tackle from the 
stern, and making a rope fast, came up on deck, hauled it taught, and 
cut the after tackle. When the boat lowered and swung by the bow, 
he descended into the boat, accompanied by another hand. The sea 
running high, the passengers (being nearly 30 on board,) endeavoured 
to dissuade him, and that it was useless to risk his life. The other 
man who was with him, being in the act of climbing up again, the noble 
tar reached up and cut the rope over his hands. The boat being full 
of water, with their hats they bailed it out. Previously to this, one of 
the passengers had thrown a piece of white cedar to me, about 10 feet 



2 28 MEN OF MARK. 

long and 1 2 inches through, of which I laid hold — commenced and 
pulled off all of my clodies except my shirt which I tied round my body 
with my handkerchief below; seized the timber, placed it under me 
and put before the wind, and went off at the rate of about two miles 
the hour, endeavouring to get to leeward of the vessel. My strength 
soon began to fail me, but yet the heart was strong. It seems in 
splitting this log, the axe had changed its direction, and enabled me to 
place my hand between the split and the log. Being at the season of 
the year when it is usual to transport mocking birds from the south, they 
were afloat, and the last recollection I have was brushing one off my 
head. This gallant tar came to me when life was about to be extinct, 
picked me up, and brought me back safely to the vessel. Such was 
my state, that for two hours I had not then, nor have I now, the most 
indistinct recollection of anything that passed. I have never placed 
my hands in a basin of water since without thinking of that scene." 

The Commodore was in command of the West India Squadron from 
1829 to 1833, and in the latter year, of the Charlestown Navy Yard. 

Afterwards he commanded for several years the Mediterranean 
squadron, visiting the Holy Land and other places of interest, and 
bringing home with him many curiosities and live stock of different 
kinds. His conduct in this position, did not meet the approval of the 
executive, his actions being misrepresented by his political enemies, 
and he was tried by court martial in lune, 1840, and suspended from 
duty for four years. In October, 1843, the period of his suspension 
which then remained was remitted by the President, and he was 
appointed to the command of the Philadelphia Navy Yard. 

He died in Philadelphia December i8th, 1845, respected and admired 
even by those who in political life differed trom him. 




ALEXANDER SHARP, D. D. 

lEV. ALEXANDER SHARP, D. D., was born three miles west 
of Newville, Pa., June 12th, 1796, was graduated at Jefferson 
College in 1820; studied Theology one year under Dr. John 
M. Mason, in New York, and finished with Dr. Riddle, near Pittsburgh ; 
was installed pastor of the Associate Reformed Church of Big Spring, 
at Newville, June 29th, 1824, and continued in charge of his congrega- 
tion up to the time of his death, on the 28th of January, 1857. 

His father, Alexander .Sharp, of Green Spring, came to this country 
prior to the war of the Revolution, in which he served as a private 
soldier. He was a brother of General Andrew Sharp, who left 
Cumberland county at an early day and settled on the Muskingum 
river, where he was killed by the Indians while going down the river in 
a canoe with his wife and children. They, with two other brothers, 
James and Robert Sharp, were born in the county of Derry, in the 
north of Ireland, where their ancestors had o-one from Scotland in the 
previous century. Dr. Sharp was, in 1830, elected Professor of The- 
ology in the Associate Reformed Seminary at Pittsburgh, to succeed 
Dr. Joseph Kerr. He declined the offer, but it was no mean compli- 
ment to a young man but six years in the ministry, conferred by such 
men as Drs. McDill, Findley, Reed. Claybaugh and others like them. 
Dr. Pressly was then elected and continued many years in connection 
with the seminary. 

The church at Big Spring, of which Dr. Sharp had charge so long, 
was organized as a Burger Associate Church as early as i 760, but had 
no settled pastor till after the formation of the Associate Reformed 
Church, in 1782. The first pastor was Rev. John Jameson, Irom the 
Burger Synod of Scotland, who was installed in 1784 or 1785, and re- 
mained about ten years, when he drifted west. The second pastor was 
the Rev. James McConnel, who was installed about 1796, and demitted 
in November, 1809, and preached long afterwards in Butler county. Pa. 
The third pastor was Dr. Sharp ; the fourth. Rev. W. L. Wallace, the 
present pastor and beloved successor of Dr. Sharp. So well balanced 
was he in mind and character that it was hard to point out any promi- 
nent traits. The whole profile was so plump and round that there 
were no projecting points or sharp angles. In person large and com- 
manding, of read}', fluent speech, but with a monotonous and unattractive 
15 



230 MEN OF MARK. 

tone. In manners and character, simple, kind, courteous, hospitable 
and a sure and reliable friend. His mind was clear, strong, compre- 
hensive and grasping. As a preacher he was lucid, scriptural, 
exegetical and didactic. In his early ministry he formed the habit of 
collecting every passage in the Old and New Testaments confirmatory 
of his position, and committing them to memory, so that in a few years 
he had committed the greater part of the Bible, and become so saturated 
with the Scriptures that he could quote from memory readily and fully 
upon any point, and in preaching and praying used a great amount of 
Scripture language and imagery without directly quoting. He was 
modest, rather backward, and of humble, simple, unaffected and con- 
sistent piety ; as a husband and father perhaps a little too indulgent. 

Dr. Sharp left but little that has been published to the world, and as 
his manner, presence and oral discourses are not known to many 
persons of the present day, the inquiry is often made : What was it 
that gave him his commanding position ? Perhaps a true answer 
would be: his pre-eminent amount of common sense and judgment in 
the management of men and business. He was very successful in the 
conduct of his own private affairs. He successfully and economically 
settled the estates of many of his friends and neighbours. He was 
frequently consulted by men who were likely to get into litigation, and 
managed to save them therefrom. He was applied to by men who 
had become infatuated with strange and unscriptural notions of re- 
ligion, and dissipated their errors, relieved their doubts and placed 
their faith on a firm foundation. He was not afraid to labour with his 
hands and set an example of industry to the community and all that 
were about him ; but whether at a public gathering, talking with his 
neighbours, or in the harvest field with the reapers, wherever situate 
or whatever doing, he was ever a marked man, one that the most 
ignorant would recognize as a Christian gentleman, and the most 
cultivated as his peer in every respect. 

Dr. Sharp had a taste for classical literature, and for some years 
taught a number of young men in studies preparatory to entering 
college. Among these were Rev. Dr. Robt. Gracy, Rev. T. V. Moore, 
D. D., now both dead ; the late Joseph Hannon, M. D., George Grove, 
M. D., and the Rev. James B. Scouller, to the last of whom we are 
indebted for the greater part of what is of much value in this article 
on Dr. Sharp. 




// 



Wyy/r^x o>< 



^ 




HON. JAMES BUCHANAN. 

|AMES BUCHANAN was born on the 23d day of April, 1791. 
His birth-place was a wild and romantic spot in a gorge of the 
Cove, or North Mountain, about four miles west of Mercers- 
burg, and bearing the peculiar, but not inappropriate name of " Stony 
Batter." His father, James Buchanan, .Senior, was a native of Ireland, 
and one of the most enterprising, intelligent and influential citizens of 
that part of the state. His mother, Elizabeth Speer, remarkable for 
her superior intellect and genuine piety, was born in the southern part 
of Lancaster county. 

Five years after his birth his parents removed into the town of 
Mercersburg, then recently laid out, where he was brought up and 
fitted for college. . He entered Dickinson College, Carlisle, then under 
the Presidency of the Rev. Dr. Davidson, in 1805, being at the time 
in his fifteenth year. In 1809, he graduated with distinction, and in 
the same year commenced the study of law in Lancaster, in the office 
of James Hopkins, Esq. Three years after, or in 1 8 1 2, he was admitted 
to the bar. He at once opened an office in Lancaster, and was almost 
immediately successful in obtaining business ; his studious habits, his 
fine abilities, his agreeable manners and correct deportment, all com- 
bining to attract clients to him. He in a very short time took his 
place among the foremost at the bar, and had the command of as much 
business as he could attend to. There were soon very few important 
cases, either in Lancaster, or the neighbouring counties, in which he 
was not employed, or at least, in which there was not an effort made to 
secure his services. In a very few years, besides deservedly acquiring 
the reputation of being one of the ablest and best lawyers in the state, 
or in the country, he had, from being the possessor of very little, 
amassed what he considered a competence, and withdrew almost 
entirely from practice. 

His first public employment of any kind was that of Prosecutor for 
Lebanon county, a position to which he was appointed in 181 3, by Jared 
Ingersoll, Esq., then Attorney-General of the state under Governor 
Snyder. This office he probably retained but a short time. In the 
next year, at the age of twenty-three, and only two years after admission 
to the bar, he was nominated by his friends for the State Legislature, 
and elected. In the following year, or 181 5, he was again nominated 



232 M£^ OF MARK. 

and elected. In bodi the sessions of the Legislature in which he sat, 

he was one of the most prominent members ; by the sensibleness and 

justness of his views, and the force of his high character and eminent 

abllides, exerting, though so young a man, not a little influence. He was 

always, as on a more extended area in after life, at his post, and took 

an interest in everything that was done. His mode of expressing his 

views was then, as afterwards, clear and convincing. In the same year 

in which he was first elected to the Legislature, he went as a private in 

a company of volunteers to Baldmore, to aid in defending it against 

an anticipated attack from the British; and thus he early, by a voluntary 

exposure of himself to danger, gave evidence of that fire of sincere 

and true patriotism, which, till the last day of his life, glowed fervidly in 

his bosom. In the vear 1820, his fellow citizens of the Congressional 

district in which he lived, (composed of the counties of Lancaster, 

Chester and Delaware,) and without solicitation from him, conferred on 

him the further honour of electing him to the National House of Rep- 

resentadves. They elected him again in 1822, 1824, 1826 and 1828, 

when he declined further re-election. His term of service in the 

House expired on the 3d of March, 1831. He was from almost his 

first entrance into the House, one of its most prominent and leading 

members, taking rank with such men as Randolph, McDuffie, P. 

Barbour, and others, and expressing his views in a clear and forcible 

manner on all the important questions that came before it. His 

speeches then, as since, were models of lucidness, chasteness and 

force. One of the most remarkable of them was that delivered at the 

Bar of the Senate at the conclusion of the trial of Judge Peck, he 

being chairman of the able committee appointed to conduct the case 

before the Senate. This speech has rarely been excelled in ability and 

eloquence. 

In the same year in which he ceased to be a member of the House, 
he was sent by President Jackson, as Minister Plenipotentiary to the 
Court of St. Petersburg, where he made a most favourable impression, 
both for himself and his country, and where he negotiated the first 
Commercial Treaty which this Government ever had with that of 
Russia. In 1833, he returned from Russia; and in the same year he 
was elected by the Legislature of Pennsylvania to fill a vacancy ir\ the 
Senate of the United States, occasioned by the resignation of William 
Wilkins, who had been appointed to succeed him at the Court of the 
Czar. He was afterwards elected for the full term of six years ; 
though soon after his second election, he resigned to take a place in 



HON. JAMES BUCHANAN. 233 

the cabinet of President Polk. His whole term of service in the 
Senate was the same as it had been in the House ; viz : ten years. 

In the body of which he was now a member, he took a similarly high 
rank to that which he had occupied in the House. He frequently 
measured arms with Clay, Webster and others, and without discredit 
or disadvantage to himself. He was, during most of the time, the 
principal leader of the Administration party, and expressed himself at 
large, and very ably, on all the important questions under discussion. 
During most of the time, he was chairman of the important Committee 
on Foreign Relations. 

In 1845, he was tendered by the then recently inaugurated Presi- 
dent, James K. Polk, the position in his cabinet of Secretary of State. 
This position he occupied with great honour to himself and advantage 
to the country. While in the State Department, the Oregon boundary 
question was finally settled, the war with Me.xico was carried on and 
successfully terminated, and California acquired. 

In 1849, ^t the expiration of Mr. Polk's Presidential term, Mr. 
Buchanan retired to his country seat, near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 
where he remained until 1853, when President Pierce tendered him, of 
his own accord, the mission to the Court of St. James. This mission 
he was averse to accepting, but, on its being pressed upon him, he at 
length accepted it. He remained in England till the spring of 1856. 
While there he was treated with marked respect by all classes, from 
the Queen down. Lord Clarendon had reason to respect his abilities ; 
for he found him more than a match in his diplomatic correspondence 
with him. His dispatches, while Secretary of War and Minister to 
England, have not been excelled by those of any other Cabinet or 
other Minister. 

In June of the year he returned from England, he was nominated, 
(again, without any effort on his part) by the Democratic National 
Convention, which met at Cincinnati, as their candidate for the Presi- 
dency, and in the following November he was elected. And thus, 
from an humble beginning, after having previously occupied an unusual 
number of distinguished and honourable positions connected with the 
Government, he found himself at the age of sixty-five exalted to what 
is perhaps really the highest political position on earth. The duties of 
this high office he discharged with ability, and though much blamed 
for his course during the last few months of his administration, (a 
period when the affairs of the country had come to the fearful crisis to 
which they had been long tending,) yet, in all he did, and in all he 
abstained from doing, he was actuated by the highest and purest 



234 MEN OF MA RK. 

motives of patriotism. He did that, and that only, which he beheved 
he was authorized to do, and which he thought it best and his duty to 
do. He, himself, feared not the verdict of future times, as to his 
course and as to his policy, and on more than one occasion, within 
only a year or two of his death, he had been heard to say, that had he to 
pass through the same state of things again, he could not, before his 
God, say that he could act otherwise than as he did. In sincere and 
cordial love for the Union he was second to none. The principal 
respect in which he differed from many others was, as to what were the 
best and most legitimate means of preserving or restoring the Union. 

At the expiration of his Presidential term, in March, 1861, he 
returned to his home at Wheatland, where he spent the remainder of 
his life, enjoying the society of his neighbours and friends, and employ- 
ing himself with his books and pen. One of the books most fre- 
quently perused by him was the Bible ; in the teachings of which he 
was a firm believer, and on the promises of which he cheerfully relied. 
He had always been a believer in the Holy Scriptures, and in the 
truth of the Christian religion, and besides being always strictly moral 
in his conduct, had been in many respects, a devout and religious, as 
well as a kind and charitable man. But he had never made an open 
profession of being a disciple of Christ until within the last few years 
of his life, when he became a communicant of the Presbyterian Church. 
He died calmly and peacefully on Monday, the first day of June, 1868. 
On the Thursday following, his remains were followed to the grave by 
such numbers of his fellow citizens, (including a large number of 
persons from abroad,) as indicated, that however he may have been 
censured by persons of opposite political opinions while living, he was 
yet one who, in public estimation, was both a great and a good man, 
one deserving for his acknowledged strict integrity and his well known 
benevolence, esteem and regard, as for his learning, statesmanship, 
eloquence and talents, he commanded deference and respect. 

On opening his will, it was found that he had remembered the poor 
of Lancaster, as well as the church of which he was a member, and had 
arranged that a handsome addition should be made to the fund which 
he had appropriated for their benefit, years before. It may be added 
that in person he was large, in manners courteous and polished, and 
that his stores of knowledge and his powers of conversation were such 
that no one could be long in his company without being deeply 
interested, and without receiving valuable information.— ^j^t'. E. Y. 
Btichatian. 



JOSEPH McCARRELL, D.D. 




HE following sketch of this eminent scholar and divine, is from 
the pen of the Rev. Dr. Forsyth, of Newburg, N. Y., (now 
Chaplain at West Point, N. Y.) 

The Rev. Joseph McCarrell, D. D., son of John McCarrell and Mary 
McKnight, was a native of Shippensburg, Penn., and was born on the 
9th of July, 1795. 

His parents were warmly attached members of the Associate Re- 
formed Church of that place, and the region was one whose history 
was connected with the earliest annals of the denomination, in the 
communion of which Dr. McCarrell lived and died, and for which he 
had an unchangeable affection. His mind was early turned towards 
the ministry of the Gospel ; and he entered upon studies preparatory 
thereto, availing himself of such helps as were within his reach, though 
in the main he had to depend upon his own efforts, and was in fact, to 
a great extent, a self-made man. 

While thus engaged, the war of 181 2 came on. In the summer of 
1 814, Washington was burnt by the British, and Baltimore was threat- 
ened with the same fate at the hands of the barbarian, Admiral Cock- 
burn, the wretch who promised his followers " the beauty and booty " 
of that city. The whole country was aroused ; the adjacent counties 
of Pennsylvania sent as quickly as possible their militia to the point of 
danger; while from Shippensburg every person capable of bearing 
arms hurried to the defence of Baltimore. Joseph McCarrell was one 
of these volunteers. He thus not only had a taste of military life, but 
from the hill about two miles from the city, on which his regiment was 
placed, he witnessed the magnificent spectacle of the bombardment of 
Fort McHenry. And he was one of those who through the long night 
watched the garrison Hag, and when the morning dawned, saw with 
inexpressible joy the glorious banner still waving defiance to the foe. 

Soon after his return home, Mr. McCarrell entered Washington 
College, Washington, Pennsylvania, and graduated with high honours 
in the class of 181 5. F'or several years after leaving college, he was 
engaged in teaching in Bellefonte, in Greensburg, and in Carlisle, 
while he was at the same time pursuing the studies that would fit him 
for the sacred profession to which he was looking forward. In 1818, 
he entered the Theological Seminary of the Associate Reformed 



236 MEN OF MARK. 

Church, then in New York, under the care of that distinguished man, 
Dr. John M. Mason. He brought to the Seminary an amount of 
attainment in certain branches of learning, which very few possess 
when leaving it, for he had made himself a thorough Hebrew scholar, 
and had read the whole of the Old Testament in that language. 
Having finished the prescribed course of study, he was licensed by 
the Presbytery of Big Spring, Pa., on the 21st of June, 1821. For 
several months he supplied the Associate Reformed Church in Murray 
street, New York, (vacant by the resignation of Dr. Mason,) with so 
much acceptance, that not a few of its members wished to call him as 
their pastor. But he was destined to spend his life in another sphere. 

Dr. McCarrell came to Newburg in the autumn of 1822. He was 
soon after invited to assume the pastoral care of the Associate Re- 
formed Church there, and on the 13th of March, 1823, he was ordained 
and installed. The old church erected in 1795, was in the extreme 
southern end of the village, on ground now owned by Capt. H. Robi- 
son. The present edifice was built in 1821, and had been dedicated a 
few months before Dr. McCarrell arrived in Newburg. He is, con- 
sequently, the only one who had served the congregation as a pastor 
since it began to worship in the church at the corner of First and 
Grand streets. His pastorate was nearly twice as long as the united 
pastorate of his four predecessors. The society, though one of the 
oldest in Newburg, was by no means large when he became its 
pastor, but from that time it steadily advanced in numbers, and has 
become the mother of two congregations. In 1829, the Seminary, 
which had been suspended for some years, was revived, established at 
Newburg, and Dr. McCarrell was chosen Professor of Theology. 
Towards the close of that year he entered upon his work of instruc- 
tion, and from that period until near the end of life he continued to 
discharge his two-fold duties as Pastor and Professor. And all who 
saw him, as he went out and in among us for so many years, knew 
that they were looking upon a " living epistle of Christ." 

From time to time he took part in the public questions of the day, 
discussing them in the pulpit and through the press, but only those in 
which he deemed that some great moral or religious principle was 
involved. His last years were made sad by various causes, which could 
not operate upon such a nature as his without reaching and affecting 
the fountain of physical life. The unfortunate separation from brethren 
with whom he had been so long and closely connected in ecclesiastical 
fellowship, the changes in the denomination to which he was so warmly 
attached, and lastly the loss of a beloved daughter, all helped to make 
a deep and visible impression upon him. During his last two years, 



JOSEPH McCARRELL, D. D. 237 

it was obvious to all that his strength had been weakened in the way. 
Still he seemed to have derived so much benefit from a few months' 
rest, that about the beginning of his last year the hope was enter- 
tained that he migfht recover strength before he went hence. He did 
resume his labour and continued it for a month, but early in March he 
was obliged to give it up again. On two succeeding Sabbaths he was 
able to be in church, though declining to take part in the service. The 
last Sabbath of his life was the last day on which he conducted family 
worship, and it is worthy of note that the psalm then sung, in course, 
was the seventeenth, last four verses. He was mercifully spared all 
acute suffering and mental wandering during his illness. He was 
calm, serene, peaceful, and at last fell "on sleep," in Jesus, as quietly 
as an infant in its mother's arms. He died at an early hour on the 
morning of Tuesday, 29th of March, 1864, and was buried in New- 
burg, in the "Old Graveyard," in the centre of the city, where he is 
surrounded by his elders — who are also " waiting for the adoption." 

Dr. McCarrell's private character I can hardly venture to portray. 
If I were to do so, I might be charged with presenting an ideal and not 
a real character. So, at any rate, I would have judged the Doctor's 
character, had I merely met with it in a description, and not enjoyed 
the felicity of knowing it. In all his familiar intercourses he was as 
simple as a child, and when engaged in conversadon there was naive 
spontaneity and richness in his turns of thought that was exceedingly 
refreshing. In his speech there was no satire, just because in his 
nature there was no bitterness. Humour, quaint, fantastic, happy 
humour, like Paul Richter's — only more elegant — overflowed his 
table talk, imparted to it the richest flavour. Yet, over all his speech 
and manner, there breathed a sacred tenderness which flowed not from 
any earthly source, but was the fragrance of a heavenly spirit. His 
childlike faith imparted, at all times, a charm to his daily life. 
His nature so trustful, so affectionate and given to meditation, 
seemed to be ground well prepared for the seed of God, and surely 
in it that seed so grew and fructified as it is rarely seen on earth. 
He always appeared to me like the beloved apostle whose head lay 
confidingly on the breast of Jesus, and to whom were revealed the 
most glorious visions of the church's future. The spiritual insight, the 
purity of conscience, the ecstatic joy, the womanly gentleness of feeling 
which are especially attributed to that apostle, were all of them charac- 
teristic of this good old man. 

No one could look upon Dr. McCarrell without receiving the 
impression that he was a man of power, though not of the sort which 
works with noise and observation. Such was the impression which he 



238 ' ' ''^tEN OF MARK. 

made upon the Professor of the MiHtary Academy at West Point, 
many years, when the pulpit was suppHed by the minister of the 
vicinity, during a vacancy in the chaplaincy. With his strong subjective 
tendency, his modesty and the comparatively sequestered sphere in 
which he moved, the occasions fitted to show the real grasp and vigour 
of his intellect were few and rare. But when one did arise, no one 
who heard him could doubt (though he might not agree with his 
reasonings,) he was a workman of a high order, and that there slumbered 
within him the fire of real eloquence. And so too no one could be 
broueht into even casual contact with Dr. McCarrell without seeing 
that he was a good man. In all my intercourse with men never have I 
met with one in whom masculine vigour of intellect was combined with 
more of the gentler grace of the Gospel ; nor one who surpassed him 
in childlike simplicity, unselfishness and profound reverence for all 
sacred things. He had his failings, no doubt, but even they leaned to 
virtue's side. 

The ministers whom he helped to train are connected with various 
branches of the church, and occupy widely scattered fields of labour, 
but to all of them the tidings that their venerated professor was no more 
were sad indeed. The student who met him for the first time might 
get the idea that he was a man of dull and phlegmatic temperament, 
but he would soon discover that under that calm exterior there beat a 
large and very tender heart. He had the art of winning his pupil's 
love, without the least visible effort on his part to do so. 

His method of instruction was modeled after that pursued by Dr. 
Mason, though Vith some modifications, which, perhaps, were not im- 
provements. With both, the Bible in its original tongue was one 
o-reat text book. Dr. McCarrell was very fond of treating subjects 
analytically, and he was a master of this mode of discussion ; but it 
would have been of advantage to himself and his pupils, if he had com- 
bined it with the synthetic. Yet no student of right views and feelings, 
could pass through his hands without becoming a sound theologian, 
well instructed in the Scriptures. 

As a preacher he was solemn, instructive, impressive. As a writer 
he was clear and forcible. Among his publications were " Sermons on 
Baptism," a sermon on "The Christian's Hope," and an "Answer to a 
Discourse preached by Dr. William E. Channing, at the Dedication of 
the Second Congregational Unitarian Church, New York, December 

7th, 1826." 

Dr. McCarrell was married to Jane B. Leiper, of Shippensburg, who 
still survives him. His family consisted of eight children, (four of them 
are still living,) and one grandson. 




EDAVARD CRAAVFORD, ESQ. 

DWARD CRAWFORD, son of Edward Crawford and Eliza- 
beth Sterritt, was born in 1758. In the year 1776, and at the 
early age of eighteen, he entered the military service ot his 
country as an officer of the Revolutionary Army, in which he continued 
until the war terminated, and peace acknowledged us to be, what we 
had declared we were, an independent nation. Of his fatigues and 
exposure during this period nothing need be said ; they were common 
to all who shared the honour and danger of the service, but the 
modesty and reserve of the deceased on this subject were so remarka- 
ble, that for many years it did not become known to his most intimate 
friends, (and it never was communicated to others,) that he received 
a severe wound during one of the battles in New Jersey, and came 
near to losing his life at the sieo-e of Yorktown, in Virginia. Soon 
after the close of the war, and upon the erection of Franklin county, 
he was appointed to the several offices of Prothonotary, &c.; in one 
of which he was succeeded by Col. Findlay, of Mercersburg. To 
the capacity and fidelity with which the organization of these offices 
was made, the routine of business established, and the various duties 
discharged throughout the twenty-four years and upwards that he held 
them, the entire community could bear witness. In connection with 
Alexander Colhoun, he established the Chambersburg (now the First 
National) Bank, 1807. He was its first President, and was re-elected 
to this office for twenty-three years, until removed by death. In any 
project for the public good he was among the foremost, e.xerting his 
extensive influence, and devoting his personal services and pecuniary 
aid to promote the general interests, with a zeal and liberality not at 
all abated by advanced and advancing years, and the short hold he 
seemed to have upon the world. 

In addition to the positions of honour, trust and usefulness, already 
referred to, Mr. Crawford occupied many others. He was a member 
of the Society of the Cincinnati ; he was elected a manager of the 
Franklin County Bible Society, December 12th, 1814; he was appointed 
to meet the soldiers on their return from the defence of Baltimore, and 
addressed them ; for some years he served as a Trustee of Falling 
Spring Presbyterian Church. As he was one of the oldest, so was he 
one of the most useful, and one of the most respected citizens of 



240 



MEN OF MARK. 



Chambersburg. He died at the age of seventy-five years. So long a life 
necessarily carried with it more or less of the crosses and distresses of 
this world, from which he was not entirely exempt — but in his cup was 
mingled an unusual portion of all that makes life valuable — the respect 
of the whole community, the sincere esteem of his fellow-citizens to 
whom he was more intimately known, and the ardent and devoted 
affections of those intimately connected with him — these conspired in aid 
of a clear and excellent understanding, and a warm and generous heart, 
to encourage and invigorate the efforts of his life, and to give enjoyment 
and happiness to his declining years. He was a wealthy, hospitable, 
public-spirited, unselfish man, and when called to fall under the stroke 
that spares none, his loss was deeply and long deplored by the com- 
munity with which he had so long been identified, and especially by 
those bound to him by closer ties. 

Mr. Crawford was married twice. His first wife was Catharine 
Hostinger, of York, Pa. Thomas Hartley Crawford was a son by 
this marriage, who attained eminence as a lawyer, was elected to 
Congress from his district, became Secretary of Indian Affairs under 
President Jackson, and was afterwards Judge of the District Court, 
Washington, D. C. His second wife was Rebecca Colhoun. Their 
daughter, Elizabeth Sterritt, married Reade Washington, Esq., of Clark 
county, Va. His grandson, Edward Crawford Washington, was killed 
in the advance on Vicksburg, May, 1863. 



.■.f<f'- 




/. 1 



ll/'^L 




COL. JAMES AGNEV/. 

A.VID ELLIOTT, D. D., LL. D., long an intimate acquaintance 
and friend of Col. James Agnew, amongst other words of 
commendation, uses this language of him in his obituary : 
" This venerable man was of a sound and vigorous mind, wise and 
sagacious in the management of business." An eminent and promi- 
nent citizen in his day, he is worthy of mention amongst the men 
whose history belongs in whole or in part to the Cumberland valley, 
and its borders. 

He was of that brave, hardy, godly and persevering race, the Scotch- 
Irish. His parents came from the north of Ireland, and settled in 
Adams county previous to the War of Independence. In that struggle 
several of the members of his father's family bore an honourable and 
patriotic part, although a cousin of his father. Gen. James Agnew, was 
an officer in the British army, and fell at the battle of Germantown. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Adams county. Pa., July 31st, 
1769. His mother's name was Ramsey. An incident is related of 
her that illustrates the fact that Providential impulses for which we 
cannot account, are sometimes, for wise purposes, made upon the 
human mind. She was living, for the purpose of attending school, at 
the house of her brother, Col. Ramsey, in Franklin county. One day 
she felt a special aversion to going, and could give no reason for the 
feeling. It was, however, so strong and decided that she yielded to it, 
and remained at home. That day a band of hostile Indians came upon 
the school house, and murdered and scalped the teacher and all the 
small children, and carried the larger boys and girls into captivity. 
One boy, who had been wounded and scalped, had the self-control to 
lie still and pretend he was dead ; the savages did not strike him with 
the tomahawk, and he lived to tell the tale. Had Miss Ramsey gone 
to school that day she would probably have been killed or taken 
captive. Eleanor Cochran, afterwards Mrs. Junkin, and mother of 
Drs. George and D. X. Junkin, was also detained at home and saved 
from the fate of the other scholars. 

Col. Agnew's parents were of the Reformed Presbyterian (Cove- 
nanter) branch of the church, but at the time of the union of most of 
that body with the Associate Church, (Seceders,) forming the Associate 
Reformed Church of North America, they joined in the said Union. 



242 MEN OF MARK. 

Educated in the doctrines, and trained in the stalwart morality of that 
strictest sect of Presbyterians, Mr. Agnew, through a long life, was 
a man of unswerving integrity of devotion to the principles in which 
he had been brought up. He obtained under domestic instruction, 
and in the school of the vicinage, such elements of education as fitted 
him for business ; and his remarkable self-control and perseverance 
enabled him to improve to the best advantage the limited opportunities 
he enjoyed. 

An incident occurred in the beginning of his career that had an im- 
portant influence on his own life and the lives of others. He and a 
young man of the name of George, had been companions from boy- 
hood, and had grown up devoted friends. They were to leave home 
on the same morning for their respective points of destination. Agnew 
was disposed to go west, the other east and south. They were both 
greatly distressed at the prospect of separation. Having met, young 
George with strong persuasion, earnestly besought his early friend to 
turn aside from his purpose. At last "the lot," the whole disposing of 
which is of the Lord, was appealed to for decision. In a certain con- 
tingency, Agnew was to be the companion ot his friend and go with 
him to Baltimore. In another contingency, he was to follow his first 
wishes. With beating heart young George cast the lot. With e.xcited 
hopes and anxious looks, they sought the index of their destiny. It 
favoured the previous desires of Agnew. Long and sadly they talked 
with each other but at length parted and moved forward, each in the 
path predetermined. Mr. George closed, a tew years back, a long and 
useful life in Baltimore, the city of his choice. His career as a 
merchant was successful, and he died a man of wealth and infiuence. 
But the friendship of the two, like that of Jonathan and David, never 
ceased nor grew cold in their hearts. The periodical visits of Colonel 
Agnew to Baltimore, cemented and strengthened the early ties of a 
friendship, strong and enduring as the hills. 

His natural force of character, under agonizing pain, is well displayed 
in the following surgical operation: 

Dr. John McClellan, of Greencastle, Pa., having been consulted 
about a small tumour that appeared on the Colonel's tongue, supposed 
to be cancerous, advised its excision. This was at once assented to, 
although informed that the operation would prove dangerous and pain- 
ful. That it might be done most effectually and with least danger, he 
kneeled beside a table and protruded his tongue. It was then fastened 
thereto with an awl, the end opened and a portion cut off. The 
Doctor in old age pronounced his own act to have been rash, as an 



COL. JAMES AGNEW. 243 

artery was severed and the profuse bleeding arrested with difficulty. 
It showed, however, the valuable traits that made him in his day one of 
the most eminent of physicians. After the Colonel's wound was par- 
tially healed he was out on his farm one day, when the artery burst 
and a spurt of blood gushed from it as when first cut. He was in 
much peril, but with great presence of mind, pressed the tongue firmly 
against the roof of his mouth, hastened home, seized a pen, requested 
a piece of sheet lead from the store, and with this compressed the 
artery and staunched the flow of blood. The Doctor, twenty miles 
away, could not have reached him to save his life, before this timely 
self applied remedy. The energy, unflinching nerve, power of will, and 
fortitude, displayed in the above operation, proved him to be a person 
that could be relied on as help in like emergencies. Dr. McClellan 
therefore, as also the physicians who subsequently settled in McCon- 
nelsburg, made him their companion in cases requiring these traits. 
To them he rendered valuable aid in the discharge of their painful 
duties, and was rewarded with their lasting friendship and regard. 

His maternal uncle, Colonel Ramsey, owned an estate on West 
Conococheague, near Mercersburg, called Ramsey's, (now Heister's) 
Mills. At an early age young Agnew went to live with him, and assist 
in managing his affairs. Here he acquired, in part, those habits of 
business, energ)-, care and diligence, in the exercise of which, in after 
life, he constructed one of the largest fortunes in that part of the com- 
monwealth. At the time of his advent to the vicinity of Mercersburg, 
emigration to western Pennsylvania had been inaugurated, and a con- 
siderable trade was carried on between the settlers west of the Alle- 
ghenies and the older settlements of the Cumberland valley. This 
trade was prosecuted by means of " pack horses," and the route cor- 
responding pretty nearly with the present turnpike was called, " The 
Packer's Path." Passing through the Gap by Stony Batter to the Big 
Cove, it left the east side of the Cove Mountain and thence alone Side- 
ling, (or Side-long-hill,) to Pittsburgh. At " Stony Batter," an old 
Scotchman had a little store, in which he traded with the packers and 
others in salt, groceries, hardware, and dry goods. He subsequently 
moved into Mercersburg where he put his son James to school, and in 
time sent him to Dickinson College. That son, James Buchanan, 
afterwards became President of the United States. By the assistance 
of his uncle. Colonel Ramsey, young Agnew, about his twentieth year, 
established a trading post in the " Great Cove," seven miles west of 
Mr. Buchanan's store, on the " Packers' Path." At this station where 
McConnellsburg now stands, he built up a very prosperous business, 



244 ^^^ OF MARK. 

and continued it the greater part of a long life. To the mercantile 
business which was his first and chief pursuit, he added a farm and 
tannery, the latter being at that early day, very necessary for the 
supply of settlers, and very profitable. His father had sunk a tannery 
on his farm in Adams county, and employed a man to work it for him. 
But when quite a lad James seeing something wrong in the manage- 
ment of the employee, of his own choice, and by his energy and atten- 
tion, so thoroughly learned the details of the business, as to save his 
father from losses, and to make this knowledge afterwards a means of 
profit to himself. 

By diligence, skill and energy in business. Col. Agnew prospered 
and became one of the wealthiest men in central Pennsylvania. At 
least twice in every year he repaired to the commercial cities, to make 
purchases. In these very early days this was done on horseback. 
Although he often carried large sums of money, and the mountains 
were infested with robbers such as Lewis and Connelly, and others, he 
was never molested by them. He put his trust in God, was a man of 
habitual prayer, and seem.ed never to fear, although other merchants 
and travelers were robbed along the same road. 

When his first purchases were made, he was introduced by his 
relative, Col. Ramsey, to one or two merchants of Philadelphia, but 
had no character for business qualities established at this early period. 
One fact, however, in the very beginning operated in his favour — his 
caution. It at once secured the good will of the merchants. The 
goods selected made such large bills, that he feared to assume the 
responsibility of taking them. He directed the clerks to deduct cer- 
tain portions. This was done until the amount was within a certainty 
of his ability to pay. When the heads of the firms learned these facts^ 
they called on him, and on inquiry found out from himself the reasons 
of his procedure. They were confirmed in the opinion that he would 
be a safe and good customer, and insisted on his taking all the goods ; 
assured him that he would not be harrassed about payment, and that if 
the time therefor was too limited, it should be extended to suit this 
exigency. The goods were bought; and now came a time of trial. 
Many were the obstacles in the way of meeting his engagements. 
The produce that availed in city payments was limited, banks were few 
in number, were widely separated, the circulation of their notes confined 
within narrow limits, and subject to heavy discount in the cities. Other 
hindrances pressed on him. Unwilling to fail in punctuality, he vigor- 
ously set to work ; made sale of his goods, secured such collections as 
were possible, purchased horses, sold them in eastern markets, and 



COL. [AMES AGNEW. 245 

made such energetic efforts in various ways, that success crowned his 
endeavours, and his contracts were fulfilled to the entire satisfaction of 
the men who had so generously trusted him. But the scarcity of 
money, together with the embarrassments arising in that early day from 
his isolated and mountainous position, was for years a source of 
anxiety and trouble in the fulfilment of his city purchases. Yet his 
ceaseless energy, fertile resources, capacity of business, rigid integrity 
and indomitable will, not only carried him safely through his difficulties, 
but secured him the increasing and life-long friendship of the men who 
first confided in him. These traits and these friendships, laid the found- 
ation for such general esteem in the cities, that he could command 
almost unlimited credit. So wisely, so prudently, and so successfully 
did he manage his commercial transactions, that not many years elapsed 
before he was able to make all his purchases in cash. This policy he 
pursued until the close of his mercantile life. 

In properly estimating his character, the early period at which his 
mercantile career commenced must always be kept in mind. The 
advantages were very few and limited, the difficulties great and many. 
Yet, by the force of his character, he made himself a popular and 
successful merchant. Seasons came when particular kinds of mer- 
chandise would become very dear and scarce for years together. 
They were articles that would be greatly needed, not only in the 
household but on the farm. The want of some would be sorely felt 
both by man and beast Yet his foresight of these times was such 
that he met and successfully overcame obstacles that appeared insuper- 
able. On on^ occasion the preparations made from garret to cellar of 
his house, and even in the erection of exterior buildings, were so 
extensive as to appear foolish and extravagant. The end foreseen, 
however, came, and proved the wisdom of his acts. He was able to 
sell his merchandise from twenty-five to two hundred per cent, cheaper 
than other stores for many miles around, and to keep up the supply 
until the exigency was past. Thus he not only made himself useful 
and popular but secured his own benefit without detriment to his 
fellow-men. 

His fertility of resources was such that he created demands for large 
quantities of produce, greatly to the advantage of the farmers. Some- 
times as many as one and two hundred sleds, in the town and vicinity, 
were coming and going and awaiting their turns for purchase and 
exchange. Not only was the whole day, but occasionally the entire 
night was consumed in the traffic thus created. 

Col. Agnew became, at an early period of his life, a decided Chris- 
16 



246 ^^EN OF MARK. 

tian, and was for many years a ruling elder of the church. He was 
remarkable for the soundness of his judgment, the punctuality of his 
attendance upon every duty appointed him, and for his direct, explicit 
and business-like manner of performing official duties. At the time of 
the troubles in the Presbyterian Church, which resulted in separation 
in 1838, he took decided ground with the Old School. He was a 
member of the Convention which adopted and signed " The Act and 
Testimony," and to his dying day was a firm and consistent believer 
of the sound doctrine, and the sedate and efficient order of the church 
of which he was a member and office bearer. 

The congregation of McConnellsburg, of which he was in part the 
founder, was originally in connection with the Associate Reformed 
Church; but when that body united with the General Assembly, in 
1825, it came cordially into the union. Dr. George Junkin, when a 
licentiate, several times supplied the pulpit of that church, and was 
once invited to its pastorate but did not accept. When at McCon- 
nellsburo- he was the guest of Col. Agnew. 

On one occasion an incident occurred which illustrates the character 
of both these men for brave and firm adherence to principle and law. 
It was before the days of canals and railways, and when the " Cones- 
toga Wagons," with their stout draught teams, were the only mode of 
conveying freight from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. These sometimes 
formed a long caravan on the road that passed through McConnells- 
burg. Very few gave to themselves and their horses the benefit of 
the Sabbath's rest ; and what with the noise of the wagons and horses, 
and the boisterous voices and terrible oaths of the teamsters, became a 
serious nuisance to the Christian people along their route. The law 
of the State was against it ; and many persons felt impelled by con- 
science to enforce the law. Colonel Agnew was one of these. This 
aroused opposition, and a portion of the community conspired to 
annoy him by nominating him for the office of constable. They 
supposed that, rather than accept it he would pay the usual fine. He 
was elected, and very soon they were disappointed and mortified with 
the results that followed. He accepted and took the oath of office. 
It Jiotv became his siconi and official duty to enforce the law ; and he 
did it with firmness and zeal. One Monday morning, attempting to 
arrest a large and powerful teamster who had, the day before, violated 
both the law of God and the law of man, he was resisted. Colonel 
Agnew was a large, finely built man, over six teet, and very strong. 
The teamster was stalwart and violent, and withstood so fiercely that 
the Colonel was not equal to the task. Mr. Junkin was his guest at 



COL . JAMES A GNE W. 247 

the time, and seeing the struggle could not resist the impulse of a 
generous nature to rush to the help of the officer. Though short of 
stature, young Junkin was a man of vast muscular strength and 
activity. With his help the giant wagoner was soon overpowered, and 
carried before the magistrate. 

Colonel Agnewwas an early and consistent friend of the temperance 
reformation. All the stores kept liquor, but he determined to banish 
it from his own. The person employed in the store to whom one-third 
of the profits was given, made objection, that it was a very profitable 
part of the business. He was directed however, to make a calculation 
of the usual amount of income from this source. This was done ; the 
amount was added to his third, and the poison banished from the store. 
Through his example and influence the other stores, with one excep- 
tion, discontinued the traffic. 

In his prime he stood high in the confidence of his fellow-citizens, 
and was frequently called to execute important trusts, both civil and 
ecclesiastical ; and he always, it is believed, did it to the full satisfaction 
of those who confided in him. 

The subject of this sketch was one of the public spirited citizens of 
his region, who took a lively interest in improving the country. When 
he went to the Great Cove it was a wilderness, the settlers were few, 
the roads but paths, the wild animals numerous, and the houses cabins. 
But one or, at most, two log dwellings made the beginning of the 
village that was to be the theatre of his life. On the bank of a small 
stream was laid the foundation of his trading post and home. There, 
until a few years before his death, stood a tall elm under which the 
Indian had smoked his pipe, whilst he drew from the waters the fish 
that filled the streams in that early day. His latest dwelling of stone, 
was built as early as 1793. He lived to see great changes, and was 
active in promoting public improvements. "The Packers' Path" gave 
way first to the great State road, and that to the McAdamized turn- 
pike, in the survey and location of which he had assisted ; and before 
his decease, McConnellsburg had ceased to be on the great thorough- 
fare from city to city ; the Canal and afterwards the Pennsylvania Cen- 
tral Railroad, having entirely superseded the Conestoga wagons in the 
great business of transportation. He lived many years after the great 
Cove was stricken from Bedford and included in the new county of 
F"ulton, of which McConnellsburg became the seat of justice. 

His home, though a private residence, was known as the " Minister's 
Hotel." This arose from the cordial hospitality with which clergymen 
of all denominations were received and entertained. This hospitality 



248 MEN OF MARK. 

was practised for weeks and months at a time. Nor was it confined 
to persons only of the class named. They came from the cities and 
from all parts of the country north, south, east and west, and even 
from foreign lands. They were going to and from the Legislature, 
Congress, the " Springs," and various ecclesiastical bodies. A great 
amount of knowledge and of interesting incidents of men and things 
was thus obtained, that made his company instructive and entertaining. 
Had he done in this, as was done in another matter, a large amount of 
pleasant reading would have been left for his family and for others. 
He had kept, from an early period, a daily thermometrical and other 
records of the weather, and was so punctual in its performance, that 
even when from home it was not neglected. Carrying a pocket ther- 
mometer, he noted down in a small book the varying phases of the 
weather from day to day. A similar record of the above nature was 
once suggested to him by a person who had been greatly interested in 
his conversation, but he replied, that he was too old, and that his habits 
of writing unfitted him for the task. 

Col. Agnew's systematic and stricdy temperate habits assured a long 
life, and his death, the result of a fall down a flight of stairs, occurred 
on the ninth day of September, 1855, in the eighty-seventh year of his 
age. 

As an appropriate conclusion of this biographical sketch we make 
the following extracts from the obituary notice written by the venerable 
Dr. Elliott, who knew him during a great part of their lives, including 
the period of their greatest vigour: "There was much in the character 
and conduct of Col. Aenew which furnished credible evidence of his 
being a child of God. In the discharge of religious duties, not only 
those of a public but those of a private nature, no one was ever more 
punctual. Family and secret worship were never omitted except on 
the ground of providential impediments. For both of these duties he 
had his fixed hours ; and when these arrived neither company nor busi- 
ness were allowed to detain him from their performance, and when the 
place of his secret retirement was occupied, he has been noticed to 
retire to some spot out of the house where he supposed he was entirely 
secluded from observation, and there pour out his soul to God. The 
Sabbath he consecrated sacredly to religious duties. He was particu- 
larly attentive to the religious instruction of his children on that day, 
in hearing them recite pordons of Scripture, and of the Shorter 
Catechism committed to memory. These exercises were followed by 
an earnest and solemn appeal to them on the subject of their personal 
salvation, which often affected them to tears. The writer has the 



COL. JAMES AG NEW. . 249 

declaration of one of his children, that if to any human instrumentality 
he was indebted as a means for his salvation, it was to the faithful in- 
struction and appeals and prayers of his father. He also by his 
example gave constant sanction to the value of public ordinances and 
meetings for social prayer. His place in the church and the prayer 
meeting was never vacant until the illness which terminated his life. 
His last illness was protracted and severe. During its continuance he 
suffered intense pain, which he bore with remarkable fortitude and 
patience. By this protracted suffering God seems to have been detach- 
ing his affections from the world and raising them to higher and more 
enduring objects. His mind, as we are informed, was much exercised 
in reference to the state of his soul. With tears he lamented his short- 
comings in duty, but while he had his doubts and fears, his eye was 
steadily fixed on the Saviour of sinners, and he expressed an humble 
hope of salvation through the merits of Jesus Christ. It was in Christ, . 
and Christ alone, that he placed his reliance, and in him we trust he has 
found salvation. I only add that Col. Agnew long held the honourable 
office of ruling elder in the church, and was favourably known in the 
judicatories of the church, as a wise and judicious counselor. 

He was married twice. His first wife was Mrs. Ochiltree, of Vir- 
ginia. Her parents had emigrated there from Adams county, Penn- 
sylvania. She became a widow about a year after marriage. Col. 
Agnew, who had too late addressed her when she was Miss Elizabeth 
Finley, a second time sought her hand, and became her husband. Of 
eight children left, the second son, John R. Agnew, is in the Christian 
ministry. After graduating at Dickinson College, he spent two years 
at Union Theological Seminary, Prince Edward, Va., and one year at 
Princeton, and was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Presbytery of 
East Hanover, in 1834. 

His first public service was that of missionary to the Choctaw 
Indians, on the Red river, bordering on Texas, under no missionary 
organization and chiefly at his ov.m expense, and at a time when it 
tried a man's soul to go out as a missionary. 

His health having failed him there, he returned to the States, and 
was settled as pastor in Venango county, Pa., for nine years, when sore 
throat compelled him to seek a dissolution of the pastoral relation. 

He then determined never again to accept a call to a church, and 
firmly adhered to this determination, though often urged to settle as 
pastor, preferring to preach to the masses as God might grant him 
opportunity. 

Since 1846, he has served the church and his country in various 



2 c^o vl/yJiV OF MARK. 

capacities : as Agent for Lafayette College, Agent of the )oard of 
Colportage at Pittsburgh, Agent of Lincoln LIniversity, Professor in 
Steubenville P'emale Seminary, and as Chaplain in the Penitentiary of 
Missouri. 

While acting as Professor of Astronomy, at Steubenville, he invented 
an ingenious set of sectional globes, celestial and terrestrial, combined 
with an orrery in such a manner that all three in one more clearly and 
definitely convey to the mind of the student the movements of the 
heavenly bodies, than has been done by any other invention, and it will 
be a blessing to any school to be furnished with these appliances for 
illustrating geography and astronomy. While laid aside from preach- 
ing by physical infirmities, at Greencastle, Pa., he is completing these 
inventions. 

In all the public positions he has occupied the Rey. John R. Agnew 
has proven himself to be a man of the very highest principles, faithful, 
earnest and conscientious in the discharge of his duties, and pre-emi- 
nently a man of faith and prayer, preferring the poverty and trials of 
the Gospel ministry to the many more lucrative positions which have 
offered themselves to him at various periods of his eventful life. 

Col. Agnew's oldest son, James Finley, is an officer in the church, in 
western Pennsylvania. His youngest .son, Samuel Agnew, ^ 4., of 
Philadelphia, was the real originator of the Presbyterian H, torical 
Society, so far as the original suggestion is .concerned. He urged 
upon the late lamented Dr. Van Rensselaer the importance of .'•"ch an 
organization ; and at his urgent request Dr. Van Rensselaer \ -ought 
the subject before the General Assembly of 1852, and obtained a re- 
commendation of it, and at every step of its progress he has been the 
devoted and indefatigable promoter of that society, and most of its 
success is attributable to his gifts, zeal and labours in its behalf Mrs. 
Elizabeth Brown, and Mr. David Agnew, an elder with his fatner in 
the McConnellsburg church, are the other living children. William 
died early. Mrs. Sarah Patterson died a number of years ago, leaving 
a la,rge famil) . His daughter Mary, a young lady of remarkable 
beauty and loveliness of character, died at an early age. His second 
wife was Mrs. R. Scott, of Gettysburg, Pa., — Miss Patterson, of Lan- 
caster county, Pa. 




Dr. LEMUEL GUSTINE. 

fHIS distinguished physician's first residence in Pennsylvania 
was in the "Wyoming valley," in 1769. After the sad event 
■'which is known in history as the " Massacre of Wyoming," 
Dr. Gustine took up. his residence in Carlisle. This was in July, 1778. 

The circumstances of the invasion of the Wyoming settlement by 
the Brifeh and Indians ; the battle and massacre ; the conflagration of 
their dwellings, and the destruction of their property of all kinds, are 
well known to every reader of history, and need not be repeated here. 
But the personal action of individuals during such events is interest- 
ing, and may well be further noticed. 

The British and their Indian allies had selected the time for the attack 
when the two Wyoming companies of Continental troops were absent 
from the valley, having been ordered to join the commander-in-chief 
"with ill possible expedition." The number of men and boys able to 
bea--arms to resist the enemy, was about four hundred, and these 
undi^iplined troops marched forth to meet the British and Indians, the 
form%'r consisting of British Provincials and Tories, were in number 
about four hundred men ; and of Seneca and Mohawk Indians, about 
six Hmdred and fifty. The Wyoming men fought well, but were over- 
powiVed by the superior forces of the enemy. Dr. Gustine, the subject 
of tnls article, was an aid to Colonel Dennison, who, in conjunction 
with Colonel Zebulon Butler, commanded the Wyoming troops. Dr. 
Gustine and Colonel Dennison were the last to leave the field, and 
they were enabled with a few others to regain " Forty Fort," from 
whence they had marched to meet the enemy. When the fort was 
invested. Dr. Gustine accompanied Colonel Dennison to arrange the 
terms of the capitulation ; and he is one of the signers of that docu- 
ment. Dr. Gustine was a man of great strength and activity, as well as 
of courage. When the British and Indians took possession of " Forty 
Fort," the latter commenced to plunder our people. An Indian 
attempted to take some property or apparel from the Doctor ; he 
resis*"ed, and giving the Indian a trip threw him to the ground. The 
other Indians were so much pleased at the Doctor's courat^e and 
activity that they handed him a rope, and said : " He is a drunken dog ; 
tie ' m." Soon after the taking of possession by Major John Butler, 
whc commanded the British and Indians, he said to Dr. Gustine, ' I can 



» 

2c,2 MEN OF MARK. 

protect you, and the others with )ou to-day, and for this night also, but 
I cannot promise you safety to-morrow." That niglit Dr. Gustine was 
enabled to procure a boat, and the next morning set off in it with his 
family and a few others down the Susquehanna. Landing for a short 
time at Fort Augusta, (now Sunbury, Northumberland county,) they 
pursued their journey down the river, and stopping for a few days at 
Fort Hunter, a few miles above John Harris' Ferry, (now Harris- 
burg,) they came to the Ferry ; and from thence Dr. Gustine and 
his family proceeded to Carlisle, where he took up his residence, and 
remained until his death, which took place jn 1807. 

One of the terms of capitulation of the Fort at Wyoming, and signed 
by Dr. Gusdne, contained the following : " that the inhabitants that 
Colonel Dennison now capitulates for, together with himself, do not 
take up arms during the present contest." Dr. Gustine did not return 
to the Wyoming valley, nor break his engagement by re-entering the 
military service. He pursued with great success the practice of his 
profession ; his practice extending through a large extent of country 
in Cumberland valley. 

Dr. Gustine was first married to a daughter of Dr. William Hooker 
Smith, a prominent citizen of Wyoming, who, among other official 
positions, was Surgeon in the Continental army. This lady died a few 
weeks before the " Massacre of Wyoming," and is buried at " Forty 
Fort." A daughter by this marriage, Sarah, was three years old at 
the time of the massacre, and was in the Fort when it was surrendered. 
This daughter accompanied her father. Dr. Gustine, to Carlisle. She 
subsequently, namely, in 1792, was married to the Rev. Nathaniel R. 
Snowden, then a licentiate of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, but who 
had for several years resided at Carlisle as a student of divinity under 
the eminent Dr. Charles Nesbit. Mr. Minor, in his History of Wyo- 
ming, (1845,) referring to the family of Dr. William Hooker Smith, says : 
'' But there was another daughter, who was married to Dr. Gustine, 
whose name will be found to the capitulation of Forty Fort. Dr. 
Gusdne removed to another part of the state, and an only daughter of 
theirs, who was in the fort at the time of its surrender, married the 
Rev. Mr. Snowden, father of lames Ross Snowden. The heart leaps 
more quickly, and the life current flows more kindly at the mention of 
his name, when we recollect that the late honoured Speaker of the 
House of Representatives, and present Treasurer of the Common- 
wealth, is the descendant of one of the Wyoming sufferers." 

Dr. Gustine, a few years after his removal to Carlisle, married Miss 



DR. LEMUEL GUSTLNE. 25^ 

Mary Parker, by whom he had several sons and daughters, most of 
whom removed to the state of Mississippi, where they became exten- 
sive and prosperous planters. And now there are none having the 
family name of Gustine residing in the Cumberland valley, albeit there 
are many in that region who are connected therewith by the ties of 
consanguinity and affinity, viz: the Hendersons, Loudons, Uries, 
Holcombs, Parkers, Snowdens, and others. 



JOHN KNOX, D. D. 



R. KNOX was born June 17th, 1790, in Adams county, near 
Gettysburg. His father was Samuel Knox, M. D., a physician 
of high reputation. His mother was Rebecca Hodge. Dr. 
Knox received his preparatory instruction in preparation for college 
from his father and the Rev. Alexander Dobbin, pastor ot " the Hill " 
Associate Reformed Church, of which, in early life, Dr. Knox was a 
member. In 1809, he entered the Junior Class of Dickinson College, 
and graduated in 181 1. 

Leaving college, he entered the Theological Seminary of the 
Associate Reformed Church in the city of New York, under the super- 
intendence of the Rev. Dr. John M. Mason. He was licensed to 
preach the Gospel in 181 5, and was ordained to the full work of the 
ministry, and installed collegiate pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church 
in the city of New York, on July i6th, 181 6. In this charge he 
continued until his death on January 8th, 1858. 

On May iith, 1818, he was married to Euphemia Provost, elder 
daughter of the Rev. Dr. Mason. Mrs. Knox died July 6th, 1855. 

In his private character Dr. Knox was the model of a Christian 
gentleman. Kind without an air of condescension, truthful without an 
ostentation of frankness, warm-hearted without credulity, scrupulously 
honourable, and punctiliously e.xact in the use of words, and in the 
performance of his promises, he won the friendship of those who knew 
him, and kept that friendship until the last. 

As a preacher. Dr. Knox lacked what is commonly styled eloquence 
in delivery, but his manner had the best element of eloquence — which 
was persuasiveness. The matter of his sermons was always evangeli- 
cal, and this was the chief secret of his long continuance in one charge, 
and of his undiminished influence throughout his pastorate. 

As a philanthropist, he occupied a high position. He was a Trustee 
of Columbia College; of Rutgers College, New Jersey; of the Leake 
and Watt Orphan Asylum ; Chairman of the Publishing Committee 
of the American Tract Society, and a member of several boards of his 
own church. In all these public relations, he evinced a steady dili- 
gence, and lent his influence and his wise counsels to the progress of 
their welfare. 

"Dr. Knox was pre-eminently adapted to fill a large place in his day 



JOHN KNOX, D. D. 255 

and generation. His noble, majestic form never disappointed the 
expectations which it could not fail to raise. The earthly house and 
the immortal tenant were well matched. He was hoini to exert a 
commanding influence. He was consecrated to exert a commanding 
influence for good. His comprehensive mind spurned all narrow, 
contracted, mean, petty and false views of any subject to which his 
attention was directed. He saw farther than most men ; and as far as 
he saw, he saw clearly, and what he saw he spake, 'without partiality 
and without hypocrisy.' Then, too, his great heart was full of gen- 
erous sympathies, which forbade him to yield his judgment to the 
special pleading of any ex parte advocate of selfishness and injustice. 
For these and similar reasons, his ivisdom became the characteristic by 
which he was best known to the ivorld — the secret of his power in the 
pulpit, and in pastoral visitation, over the understanding and hearts 
and consciences of his parishioners, a power which a long ministerial 
life but served to increase, and which will continue to be felt when all 
the popular eloquence of the times shall be forgotten ; the secret, too 
of his election to so many important offices in the benevolent societies 
and philanthropic and educational institutions of his age, offices which, 
however arduous and thankless the labours devoted upon him in 
them, he could not be permitted, for any plea of increasing years, to 
resign ; and the secret, moreover, of the innumerable applications to 
him, in person and by letter, for private advice, from kindred and con- 
nections near and remote ; from members of his own congregation, 
and from his fellow-citizens generally ; from his ministerial brethren ; 
from strangers and foreigners ; from high life, middle life, and low life, 
thronging his house, interrupting him at his meals, his devotions and 
his studies, and burdening him with cares enough to crush any ordinary 
man, though, truth to say, he seemed to thrive under them. 

"For with all the public responsibilities which his sound judgment 
and discretion brought upon him, he found so much time for the enjoy- 
ment and duties of social life, that he was best known throughout the 
large circle of \\\'~, family 3.nd friends for his warm affection, constant and 
kindly solicitude, and bountiful hospitality. Who that ever witnessed, 
can forget how his imposing presence was relieved by the beautiful 
combination in his manners of dignity, courtesy, affability and cordi- 
ality ? His hearty welcome was sustained by his unwearied attentions 
to his guests, till his farewell left them more his admirers than ever. 
Among the multitudes entitled to his regards, or admitted to his con- 
fidence and favour, not one, in disappointment, perplexity or sorrow, 
ever applied to him for assistance, counsel or consolation in vain. 



256 ''^lEN OF MARK. 

Many a time has he volunteered his thoughtfulness for them, and, 
when they least expected it, has soothed their griefs, guided them 
through their difficulties, and opened to them new avenues of useful- 
ness and prosperity. And ever have they found him most deeply 
interested in, and most ready to promote, their spiritual and eternal 
welfare. He watched for their souls. If any man ever had a right to 
adopt the words of ' the greatest of all the men of the east,' it was Dr. 
Knox : ' When the ear heard me, then it blessed me ; and when the 
eye saw me, it gave witness to me: because I delivered the poor that 
cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The 
blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me, and I caused 
the widow's heart to sing for joy. I was eyes to the blind, and feet was 
I to the lame. I was a father to the poor, and the cause which I knew 
not I searched out. Unto me me7i gave ear, and ivaited, and kept silence 
at my counsel. I chose out their ivay, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king 
in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.' " 




ALFRED FOSTER, M. D. 

|N the old graveyard in the borough of CarHsle there is a 
monument with this inscription, "Alfred Foster, M. D. ; born 
A. D., 1790; died A. D., 1847." On one side of it is written, 
" Purity of mind and integrity of purpose graced his great attainments 
in science and literature ; and his character happily blended the guile- 
lessness of childhood with the wisdom of mature years." On another, 
this: "His talents were various and brilliant; his learning extensive and 
accurate ; but diffident of his own powers, he shunned that distinction 
which his abilities would have secured, had ambition prompted." 

There is no place where the excellent qualities of men are more 
likely to be extravagantly portrayed than that which marks their last 
resting place. In this class would the above inscriptions be ranked by 
those who had no knowledge of the life and character of Dr. Foster, 
but to those acquainted with them, there is no word of extravagance in 
what is there written. He was a student from boyhood. He gradu- 
ated at Dickinson College in 1809, was a classmate of Hon. James 
Buchanan and divided with him the first honours of the class. Here 
their lives separated. Mr. Buchanan soon became an eminent member 
of the bar and mingled politics with his profession ; sought and obtained 
distinction in public life, and attained a name that will ever be remem- 
bered among men. Dr. Foster, with equal abilities and far greater 
acquirements, was never known beyond the limits of his own state ; 
never known intimately but by people of his own town ; and his 
memory now has faded from the recollection of many of the active 
portion of its population. But with those who had the good fortune to 
know him, there is an abiding love for his character, faith in his profes- 
sional knowledge, and reverence for his intellectual attainments, that 
seldom cluster round the memory of the dead. 

There is an atmosphere that always surrounds great minds, which is 
peculiar to them and noticeable by the observant. This pervaded the 
character qf Dr. Foster more than that of any other citizen of Carlisle 
during his active career, although many men of distinction resided here 
at the same time, and they were generally his intimate friends. This 
exhibited itself in his case in many ways. Among others the following 
will serve as illustrations. With the members of his profession, when 
he was called into consultation, his judgment was considered unerring. 



258 AiEN OF MARK. 

With the sick, and particularly with those whose ailments were as much 
mental as physical, when Dr. Foster said the danger was over or there 
was no real cause for alarm, the 'patient was instantly relieved; but 
more than all, in that circle composed of the leading men of his own 
profession, the leading men of the bar, the clergy and tlie professors of 
the college, he was ever regarded as the foremost. 

There is a superiority which is seen and felt in the refined social 
circle that is not recognized by the multitude and not exhibited in a 
crowd or felt in a public assembly. It is the unerring deference which 
mind pays to mind, and that in the proportion each overshadows the 
other. Addison, in his Freeholder, tells us that his good genius once 
conducted him to the Temple of Fame and placed him where he could 
see all who were there and hear all that was said. He saw, seated at 
the table, the chief heroes and poets and philosophers of classic an- 
tiquity, heard their disputations, and noticed, when debate ran high, a 
nod from Homer settled the matter. In a large, refined and highly 
cultivated society existing in Carlisle, and embracing among others the 
members of the various professions, the Faculty of the college, distin- 
guished officers of the Army and the Chief Justice of the state, the 
first place was unhesitatingly assigned to the Doctor. And the reason 
was obvious. There was no subject that engaged the minds of men in 
science, in philosophy, or in the line of the various professions, with 
which he was not familiar. Had a new planet been discovered ? His 
mind glanced over the whole range of Astronomy from the Ptolemaic 
system to the last theory that had been advanced, and he illumined the 
subject with such stores of knowledge, that one who did not know him, 
would have felt satisfied he had spent his whole life in studying the 
courses of the heavenly bodies. Was the subject ot pure mathematics 
introduced by some learned professor ? He would begin with the 
history of that science and trace it through its three great periods, 
characterizing each by the introduction of its new methods, showing 
how geometry was almost exclusively cultivated during the era of 
Greek and Roman supremacy ; how, after the decline of Rome, the 
sciences took refuge among the Arabs who translated and preserved 
the literary treasures of Greece, and introduced the second great 
period of mathematics by giving to Europe the decimal arithmetic 
and the algebraic calculus, both of Indian origin ; and thence he would 
come down to what had in later years been done by Descartes, Newton, 
Leibnitz, and their successors, Euler, D'Alembert and Laplace. 

Was some historic field of battle the subject of conversation ? The 
men of military education were astounded at the accuracy of his 



ALFRED FOSTER, M. D. 2^^ 

knowledge of the details of that engagement and its influence on the 
war that was raging, and on the ultimate fate of the nations engaged ; 
and so on through the whole round of human knowledge. There was 
no field with which he was not familiar, and no detail with which his 
mind was not accurately stored. And yet this great man was as 
modest as a child, as unobtrusive as it is possible to be, and so averse 
to adulation, that if any one offered to pay homage to his great attain- 
ments, he was apt to offend him, and if he dared to flatter him, was 
sure to make him angry. He never married, never strove for or 
attained wealth, was careless of money beyond his personal wants, and 
met promptly his pecuniary engagements. No man before him had 
ever in this place made such high attainments in learning and know- 
ledge, and none since has ever aspired to them. 

His family was, early in this century, prominent here, but he was the 
last of his name that resided in Carlisle. 



JOHN CLARKE YOUNG, D. D. 




OHN C. YOUNG was born in Green Castle, Pa. His father 
was an excellent elder in the Presbyterian Church of that 
place. His mother was the sister of the Rev. John X. Clarke, 
and Hon. Matthew St. Clair Clarke. 

His earliest training was received in his native place, from John 
Boreland, one of the finest scholars and most admirable teachers of the 
country. He was educated at Dickinson College, under the celebrated 
Dr. John Mason. His theological course was pursued at Princeton. 
In the third year he was chosen tutor in the college, along with the 
lamented A. B. Dod. After finishing his studies, and being licensed, 
he was first called to the church in Lexington, Kentucky. His preach- 
ing there made a profound impression, and his ministry was successful 
in a high degree. 

After a few years. Dr. Young was called to the Presidency of Dan- 
ville College, where his life-work was afterward spent. He was popu- 
lar with the students, and greatly revered by the friends of the college. 
His ministry was greatly blessed to the awakening and conversion of 
the students. He organized a second church in Danville, to which he 
statedly ministered for many years, and where the students attended. 
He took an active and decided part in the discussions on slavery and 
emancipation in Kentucky, and was the author of a report on the 
subject in the Synod. 

Dr. Young was Moderator of the Assembly which met in Philadel- 
phia, in 1853, and presided over the deliberations of that body with 
great ability and universal acceptableness. The latter years of 
his life were marked by disease, which terminated his usefulness in 
1857. He was twice married. His first wife was the daughter of 
Cabel Breckinridge, and sister of John C. Breckinridge. His second 
wife was the daughter of Hon. J. J. Crittenden, who still survives him. 
Two of his sons are, or were. In the ministry. 

" Dr. Young," says his friend. Rev. D. H. BIddle, D. D., " was an able 
and sound divine, a faithful and successful teacher, of a logical mind 
and warm heart. His loss to the church and the cause of learning is 
deeply deplored, and his memory is fondly cherished by all who knew 
and loved him." Such men are ornaments to their age, and blessings 
to their country and the world. 



JAMES S. WOODS, D. D. 



HE REV. JAMES STERRETT WOODS, son of Samuel and 
Frances (Sterrett) Woods, was born in Cumberland county, 
Pa., April i8th, 1793. His parents were Scotch-Irish, and one 
of the best families in the Cumberland valley. They were remarkable 
for their intelligence, integrity and energy. Their piety was Scriptural 
and practical, resting on the sound basis of clear and thorough doc- 
trinal knowledge. The greatest care was taken in the training of 
their children. 

Samuel Woods, the lather, was a man ol the highest probity, courage 
and reliability. During the progress of the War of the Revolution he 
acted as Indian scout — a most perilous undertaking — in the service of 
the Government, or on behalf of the neighbourhood in which he lived, 
which was then the red man's undisputed home. The mother, whose 
maiden name was Sterrett, it is said, was a woman of devoted piety, 
and pre-eminent for her faith. The character of their children is their 
best eulogy. They worshiped in the Presbyterian Church, in Carlisle, 
Pa., under the care of Rev. Dr. Davidson, and subsequently Rev. Dr. 
H. R. Wilson. Here Mr. Woods first professed religion. James S. 
Woods received his classical education with Mr. John Cooper, Hope- 
well Academy, Pa.; graduated at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., 
under the presidency of Rev. John McKnight, D. D. He obtained his 
theological education at Princeton, N. J., and was licensed by the Pres- 
bytery of New Brunswick, in 181 7. His first settlement was in Mifflin 
county. Pa., whither he came in 1819. From this time until 1822 he 
laboured as an evangelist in the valley of the Juniata, from Lewistown 
to Shade Gap. Through this field, embracing McVeytown, Newton- 
Hamilton and Shirleysburg, he laid the foundations for the present 
churches. Here he is claimed as the father of Presbyterianism. Often 
he preached in private houses, school houses and barns. He mingled 
much with the people, catechising statedly and faithfully, and visidng 
the sick and dying wherever known. Many still live in the churches 
of McVeytown and Newton-Hamilton who count him their spiritual 
father, and hold him in the highest esteem. In the bounds of these 
places a work of grace was carried on for two years, which he con- 
sidered one of the most powerful he had ever seen. He resided, at 
first, in the vicinity of McVeytown, and was called, in 1822, to take 
17 



262 MEN OF MARK. 

charije of the Lewistown and McVeytown churches. In the spring of 
1823 he moved to Lewistown, and continued the pastor of the church 
there until the time of his death, a space oi x\&z.r\y forty years. 

lames S. Woods was married before he came to Mifflin county, to 
Marianne Witherspoon, a daughter of John Witherspoon, D. D., one 
of the presidents of Princeton College, and the only clergyman who 
signed the Declaration of Independence. He was a lineal descendant 
from the eminent Scottish Reformer, John Knox, and one of the most 
illustrious patrons of religion, liberty and learning in America. This 
lady, a native of Princeton, N. J., was possessed of fine mental powers^ 
and great moral worth, and exercised, it is believed, an important 
influence in the formation of her husband's ministerial character. The 
fruit of this marriage was nine children, six sons and three daughters. 
In the religious training of these, Mrs. Woods was assiduous till the 
time of her death, which occurred in 1846, in the "sure and steadfast 
hope, which, as an anchor, entereth into that within the vail." Two of 
the sons have died : one, John W. Woods, while preparing for the pro- 
fession of law ; the other. Lieutenant James S. Woods, of the United 
States Army, while gallantly leading his company in the storming of 
Monterey, Mexico. The father of this family lived to see his children 
become, through the grace of God, his hope and his joy, and closed his 
life in the prospect of meeting his loved and loving ones in heaven. 

" His household circle," says the Rev. David D. Clarke, D. D., in a 
sermon preached to Dr. Woods' bereaved church, by request of the 
elders and trustees; "his household circle was a rare example of un- 
marred communion. He was always its attractive centre. The appre- 
ciating visitor could not fail to see how each heart clung, as the tendril, 
to that true and trusted husband and parent, and fondly entwined each 
other. Even his grand-children were made merry and frisky as lambs 
under the charm of his smiles ; and to take tea at grandpa's was 
counted a special honour. 

" But it is not meet that 1 should enter further within the precincts of 
this stricken home ! The bereavement by this death is first and 
greatly, but not solely yours. We tell it in two sweet words, 'Our 
father!' You knew him as none other did; you loved him as none 
other could. God gave him and took him. Bless his name that he 
was spared to you so long, to be the guide of your youth and the 
glory of your ripened years. His life, so consistent and beneficent, was 
a grand success. Much of its fruit has already been gathered and 
crarnered in heaven, and more awaits the hand of the ereat husband- 
man. To sustain your relation to such a man and such a ministrv is a 



JAMES S. WOODS, D. D. 26^1 

heritage more precious than silver or gold. He did not Hve to become 
a burden to himself, or to you. God, whom he served, took him in his 
own time and way — always the best. He spoke not in death, but you 
know his life, and ' being dead he yet speaketh.' What more can you 
do — what more does God require than to bow down in trusting, hope- 
ful submission, and say, ' Not my will, but thine, O Lord, be done !' 

"We come now to survey a little further the public and professional 
life of our departed brother, as it was embraced in his pastorate here 
oi forty years. Appearance, temper and manner, it is well known, are 
often elements of personal attraction and influence. Brother Woods 
possessed a commanding presence. His temper was warm, social and 
genial. There was a dignity, seriousness and kindness in his mien, 
which commanded attention and respect. His piety was stable and 
practical, his convictions earnest, and his purposes decided. For the 
authority of Scripture his regard was profound; to whatever he thought 
right his adherence was unwavering. Principle, duty, honour, he never 
sacrificed ; yet he was not dogmatic or obstinate, but modest and 
humble. He did not seek his own praise in the disparagement of 
others. He was willing to be enlightened, and even led by others, in 
whose judgment and honesty he confided. He was punctual in all 
engagements — in pulpit and pastoral service, with his friends, and in his 
attendance on all the judicatories of the church. His desire was not 
fame, but to perform his duty and do good. Wherever you met him, 
his character was transparent, whether under his own roof, which was 
truly a minister's home, or that of others, in the sanctuary of God, or in 
the church courts, he was the same — the true friend, the agreeable 
companion, the Christian gentleman, and the conscientious servant of 
God. A conscience void of offence toward God and man made him 
fearless, and no one could despise hirrt. He had a pleasant look and 
a kind word for all he met. It is easy to see that such a man would 
make friends, secure confidence, and have influence. No man in the 
county had a stronger hold on the veneration of the people. By his 
brethren of the Presbytery he was held in the highest esteem, and the 
Christian people of our churches were always glad to make him their 
guest. I deem it a great privilege to have enjoyed his acquaintance 
and regard. 

" Dr. Woods was a patriot. While a student at college he joined a 
company, chiefly of students, to march to Baltimore when attacked by 
the British troops. He was not a perfect man ; we don't present him 
as such, for such he did not claim to be ; but he was a rare man, a 



264 



MEN OF MARK. 



good man, a faithful man, a useful man, loved and honoured by God 
and man. 

" If descent from an exalted ancestry, if a marriage alliance to one of 
the most renowned of American names, if personal worth and a long 
life of well-doing, entitle one to the grateful remembrance of posterity. 
Dr. Woods has a claim, and this record of his long, faithful and fruitful 
ministry fills one of the brightest pages of the church's history. 

"Let us hear the testimony of those who knew him best: 'Dr. 
Woods,' says Rev. G. Elliott, ' was remarkable for his candor, his 
modesty and his magnanimity. His heart was the seat of kindness, 
and his home the scene of untiring hospitality. Those who had 
recently conversed with him familiarly could realize that he felt how 
precarious was his condition, and that he was growing in meetness for 
Heaven.' 

" Dr. Engles, in The Presbyterian, says: 'An esteemed and venerable 
minister of our church, and a beloved member of the Synod of Phila- 
delphia, has departed this life. After such a life, death is but a transi- 
tion from labour to reward.' 

"'We knew him well from early manhood,' Dr. McKinney, in The 
Presbyterian Banner, says. ' We were twenty-two years co-presbyters. 
Often did we labour together in religious services of great interest. 
He was a good man, a devoted minister, and an exalted though lowly 
Christian. He has turned many to righteousness, and will shine as the 
stars forever and ever.' 

"But let us see how this high praise is supported by the long ministry 
which has just closed on earth. Much of the harmony of social life, and 
much of the success in every vocation, depend on the observance of 
the great law of adaptation, of properly fitting things. Ignoring this 
law commonly entails difficulty, disappointment and failure. He, whom 
we all mourn, was in the harmony of his relations, and in the success 
of his labours, a delightful example. Who was better suited to this 
field, in all its aspects, than he ? Who could have endured so long and 
so well ? Who could have so won the respect of all around, and the 
confidence and love of those especially committed to his spiritual over- 
sight, binding them in the stability and repose of an intelligent and 
harmonious communion, and anchoring himself more deeply, with every 
revolving year, in the confidence and veneration of the community ? 
In your iust and appreciating tributes, brethren, in this appropriate and 
beautiful edifice, confessedly to a great extent the fruit of his judicious 
and patient efforts, in what he has done for the numerical and spiritual 



JAMES S. WOODS, D. D. 265 

increase of this church, and through it for other churches, and tor the 
general cause of God — in these is found the answer. 

"To the work of preaching the Gospel he devoted his life. Whatever 
of talent or culture, whatever of gifts natural or gracious he possessed, 
were gratefully, and without reserve, laid at the feet of Christ. In the 
cross, as the symbol of the truth and power of God, he recognized the 
chief and sure agency for the reformation and redemption of our ruined 
humanity, the sovereign antidote to mortal woe. Baptized in the 
spirit of Him who triumphed as he expired on Calvary, at once the 
Saviour and Sovereign of the world, his was a faith that would give 
Christ the throne of the universe, his a charity that would make the 
world its beneficiary. Textual, evangelical, methodical and earnest, his 
preaching everywhere commanded attention and secured edification. 
In the early part of his ministry, he wrote out and committed to 
memory his sermons, dispensing with the manuscript in the delivery. 
His style was simple and unadorned, but clear and forcible. His good 
taste, his apprehension of spiritual and eternal things, and his desire to 
win souls, made him intensely anxious that all should understand what 
he spoke. But few men felt more fully than he did that the pulpit is 
the ' preacher's throne.' Out of it, he evinced the meekness of the 
lamb; in it, the boldness of the lion. He felt that he could teach his 
hearers. However striking their superiority over him in many things, he 
felt that in the most important of all things he had, as he ought to have, 
superiority over them. He could make the wisest of them more wise. 
He could reprove the most learned of them for their ignorance of 'the 
one thing needful.' 'Physicians, jurists, statesmen, must,' says an 
elegant writer, ' bow themselves before the pulpit, and must yield their 
dignified obeisance to him who is distinguished by the appellation, ''the 
month of God." ' 

"Dr. Woods loved his people, and while his strength supported him 
was much amongst them. His school house preaching, hfs regular 
catechetical instruction, his Bible-class exercises, and his wise, untiring 
and affectionate pastoral visitation constituted a most arduous and 
useful part of his long and fruitful labours. The Sabbath school, one 
of the best ordered and most efficient in the Presbytery, he considered 
a model Sabbath school. He loved the young. In the season of trial, 
in the chamber ot the sick and the dying, his ready perception of pro- 
priety, his tenderness, his familiarity with the Bible, his rich fund of 
Christian experience, endeared him to all who, in those times, were 
privileged to enjoy the counsels and consolations of his benignant 
ministry. To exhibit Christ, to bring men to Christ, to confirm and 



266 ^'^N OF MARK. 

comfort those who were in Christ, and to glorily Christ, was tiie Alpha 
and Omega of his labours. 

" The cause of Temperance found in him an early and enduring 
friend. The evil of intemperance he regarded as one of the greatest 
which afflicts society. On this subject no one was better able than he 
to form a correct judgment. He lived before the commencement of 
the Temperance Reformation. He .saw the evil in its fearful and unre- 
sisted progress. He carefully watched the working of the several 
plans of reformation. He considered the law defective, and as it is, 
badly enforced. His conviction was clear, that the true policy was /;r- 
vefitiott, starting with the voting, and that but little dependence could be 
placed on any individual reformation, which was not supported by 
Christian principle. Views so sound will not be questioned, having the 
support of Scripture and facts. 

"Two things are characteristic of this church under Dr. Woods, order 
and growth. It has enjoyed throughout his pastorate unwonted 
harmony. Its peace has been almost unbroken. But few cases for 
discipline have occurred, and rarely has it been found necessary to refer 
one for settlement to a higher court than the church Session. And 
while Dr. Woods had great confidence in a true revival of religion, 
refreshing Christians, and bringing many sinners to Christ, and while 
he never ceased to pray and wait for the special reviving grace of the 
Holy Spirit in his own congregation, and throughout the church, and 
was allowed of God to rejoice in many a special and glorious visitation 
of the Prince of Peace to this church, he relied mainly on the regular 
and usual increase, And seldom, in his long pastorate, was there a 
communion season without one or more additions to the membership. 

"The honorary title of D. D. was conferred on him eight or ten years 
ago, by the Trustees of the College of New Jersey. Although he 
gave but little time to literary studies, after his entrance upon the work 
of the ministry, he was a good classical scholar. He taught a school 
while he resided above McVeytown ; and for some time after his set- 
tlement here had charge of the Academy, a classical school he was 
instrumental in building. Ainong his pupils were Rev. M. B. Hope, 
D. D., Re/. Mr. Reed, Missionary to Siam, Rev. David McCay, Hon. 
R. C. Hale, Judge Benjamin Patton, and others of whom I have no 
record. Messrs. McCay, Milliken, and Woods entered the ministry 
from this church. One (McCay) has lately entered upon his reward; 
the others are still faithfully proclaiming that salvation which they 
were brought to know through the ministry of this sainted pastor. 
When Dr. Woods assumed the oversight of this church, William 



JAMES S. WOODS, D. D. 267 

McKay, Daniel Robb, Jacob Walters, and Anthony Young, were the 
Ruling Elders ; these all are dead. Of the trustees not one lives. 
The members still living here are Mrs. Eleanor Doty, Mrs. Mary Jacob, 
Mrs. Waldron, and Ephraim Banks, Esq., venerable and beloved 
Christians ! To you it has been given to receive your late pastor, and 
after waiting forty years upon his ministry, amid many changes and 
trials, to see him laid, full of years and of honours, in the grave ! May 
the good Shepherd be near and keep you, ' make you to lie down in 
green pastures, and lead you beside the still waters ; even in the 
paths of righteousness, for his name sake. And when you walk 
through the valley of the shadow of death, may you have no fear of 
evil, his rod and his staff comforting you, and your dwelling be in the 
house of the Lord for ever !' 

"Here Dr. Woods began his pastorate; here it was closed. He 
found you weak ; he left you strong. To your steadfast confidence, 
your cordial co-operation, and your generous forbearance, he felt his 
obligation. What a treasure is such a life to the world ! How 
unvalued ! What a glorious place will it fill in the grand reckoning of 
the judgment ! The influence of every sermon and prayer, every 
exhortation and word of warning and comfort spoken in the closet, 
every visit to the bedside of the sick and the dying, or the silent and 
solemn utterance of a holy walk before the family, and in the circles 
of social life and of business, upon the young and the old, the educated 
and the influential, for individual and social good, for temporal and 
eternal happiness — the influence I say of all these, running through 
forty years' service, the full revelation of the last day will alone dis- 
close ! And in the impartial and final adjustment of all human char- 
acter and deeds, the ministry of this dear pastor will receive the 
reward of grace, in the accordant salutation of those whom he brought 
to Christ, and in the transporting plaudit of the Master, ' Well done, 
good and faithful servant !' " 




HON. JOHN REED, LL. D. 

1\'ER a quarter of a century has passed since the death of Judge 
Reed, and yet the remembrance of him is distinct with the bar 
of Carlisle and the State, and with the people of this county ; 
far more so than that of others, equally eminent in their day, who died 
years later. 

He was born on Marsh creek, then York, now Adams county, in 
1786. His father was General William Reed, who held a Major's com- 
mission in the later years of our Revolutionary war. Having a taste 
and genius for military life, he gradually rose to the rank of Major 
General of Militia. He was one of the representatives of the District 
of York and Adams in the convention which framed the Constitution 
of Pennsylvania, in 1 790. He also represented the same district in 
the State Senate, from 1804 to 1808. Upon the declaration of war 
between the United States and Great Britain, in 181 2, he was appointed 
by Governor Snyder, Adjutant General of the State. He immediately 
entered upon duty, and organized two divisions of the army ; one at 
Meadville, Crawford county, which marched under General Tannahill 
for the Niao-ara frontier; the other, under General Crooks, was ordered 
to Fort Meigs. Owing to the exposure and fatigue incident to this 
arduous service, he sickened and died in Westmoreland county, 181 3. 

His son, |ohn Reed, was prepared for college by the Rev. Mr. 
Dobbin, of Gettysburg. After completing his collegiate course at 
Dickinson College, he read law under the direction of William Maxwell, 
of Getty.sburg. In 1809 he was admitted to the bar; and commenced 
the practice of the law in Westmoreland county. In a short time his 
practice extended through the counties of Somerset, Indiana, Arm- 
strong and Westmoreland. During the last two years of his profes- 
sional career in these counties, he performed the duties of Deputy 
Attorney General. 

In 181 5, Mr. Reed was elected to the State Senate, and at the 
expiration of his term declined re-election. In December, 18 19, he 
was married to the daughter of Dr. John McDowell, a distinguished 
surgeon ot the army of the Revolution ; and on the loth of July, 1820, 
was commissioned by Governor Findlay, President Judge of the Ninth 
Judicial District, then composed of the counties of Cumberland, 
Franklin, Adams and Perry. Judge Reed continued in that position 



HON. JOHN REED, LL. D. 26^^ 

until 1839, when, by change ot the Constitution, his commission expired. 
He then resumed his position at the bar, and continued in active 
practice until the time of his death, which occurred in Carlisle, on the 
19th day of January, 1850, when he was in the sixty-fourth year of his 
ag^e. 

In 1834, he was made Professor of Law in Dickinson College. The 
degree of LL. D. was conferred on him by the officers of Washington 
College, Pennsylvania, in the year 1839, and in 1849 or 1850, he was 
made an honorary member of the American Philosophical Society of 
Philadelphia. 

It is a source of just pride to the friends of the dead to know that 
they are pleasurably remembered ; and when this happens to be the 
case, the inquiry why it is so is most natural. In the case of Judge 
Reed there are a number of causes which unite in makingr his fame 
lasting. He was the President Judge of the Ninth Judicial District, 
and presided with dignity, ability and integrity, by virtue of a commis- 
sion meant to be for life, conferred by a Governor able to discriminate 
as to character, and to know the importance of the grant he made. 
He presided for nineteen years, in a district where the bar was not 
inferior to any in the commonwealth or country ; having among its 
number Thomas G. McCullough, George Chambers, James Dunlop, 
T. Hartley Crawford, John F. Denny, George Metzgar, Thaddeus 
Stevens, Andrew Carothers, John D. Mahon, Charles B. Penrose, 
Frederick Watts, W. M. Biddle, and others, all men of distinction, with 
whom he was not only officially connected, but with many of them 
intimately associated, and his fame and theirs will always commingle. 
He also, while on the bench, and afterwards, conducted a Law School, 
in Carlisle, with marked success. Among his students were such men 
as George P. Hamilton, Esq., H. N. McAllister, Esq., Hon. A. G. 
Curtin, Rev. Alfred Nevin, D. D., LL. D., who subsequently entered 
the ministry, Hon. F". W. Hughes, J. Ellis Bonham, Esq., Hon. Samuel 
Linn, Hon. James H. Campbell, Hon. John C. Kunkel and W. H. 
Miller, Esq., of Pennsylvania; J. L. Carey and Hon. Carroll Spence, of 
Maryland ; Hon. W. N. Smithers, of Delaware ; Hon. Alexander 
Ramsey, of Minnesota ; and Hon. James Kelly, of Oregon ; by all of 
whom his name has ever been held in reverence. His official position, 
and that of instructor of young men, gave him a marked position in 
society, and he filled it to the letter. His manners were refined and 
agreeable ; his wit was quick and sparkling, and his home the abode 
of refinement ; and there is no one that has ever come within the ' 
sphere of his influence that is not better for having done so. 




SAMUEL AGNEW, M. D. 

ilOCTOR SAMUEL AGNEW was born at Millerstown, near 
Gettysburg, in Adams county, August loth, in the year 1777, 
and was the son of James Agnew and Mary Ramsey. 

He was of Scotch descent, or from that people who, encouraged 
by [ames 1, migrated from Scotland and England to the confiscated 
estates in the province of Ulster. They were a rare people. Under 
their industry, intelligence and enterprise the desolated lands were 
reclaimed, towns grew up, and manufactures were ext^ ely estab- 
lished. They were Presbyterians, and neithei ' - y of Charles 
II or James II, the dragoons of Claverhouse, i'>,iie intimidations of 
the Papacy, could compel them to surrender their independence, or 
dishonour their manhood. These were the people who have made 
sacred the glens and moors of .Scotland and Ireland, and who rather 
than yield their convictions of faith and duty, suffered the sharpest per 
secutions, and came to this side of the Atlantic to find a home more 
congenial to their tastes. Men of strong intellects, independent 
thinkers, intolerant of oppression, gentle in peace, terrible in war. 
they have left their impress upon all the institutions of the country of 
their adoption. The father of Dr. Samuel Agnew was quite as ready 
to resist oppression as his ancestors had been, and when hostilities 
commenced in the Colonies, he espoused their cause against the 
encroachments of Great Britain, took up arms as a soldier and was 
wounded in one of the battles of New Jersey. 

The academical studies of Dr. Agnew were commenced under Rev. 
Matthew Dobbin, of Gettysburg ; and after his graduation at Dickinson 
College, Carlisle, in 1798, he turned his attention to the study of medi- 
cine, under Dr. John McClellan, a prominent surgeon in Greencastle, 
Pennsylvania. In 1800, he took his degree of Doctor of Medicine in 
the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania. During 
the war of 181 2 he served as a suro-eon, and after its termination com- 
menced the practice of medicine in Gettysburg, but afterwards, in 1807, 
located in Harrisburg, as in consequence of its selection as the seat of 
government the place promised to become one of importance. In this 
field he rapidly rose to deserved eminence, establishing a large and 
lucradve practice. His counsel and aid were sought after, not only by 



-% 




^"s^:^ 







SAMUEL AG NEW, M. D. 



271 



his professional brethren in Harrisburg, but throughout the different 
counties of middle and western Pennsylvania. 

In 1803, Dr. Agnew married Miss Jane Grier. Her mother was a 
Holmes — a prominent family of Carlisle. The issue of this marriage 
was six children, three sons and three daughters. Two of these 
children, a son and daughter, died in childhood. The oldest son. Rev. 
[ohn Holmes Agnew, D. D., a sketch of whom will appear in this 
volume, became distinguished for his scholarly attainments and literary 
position. The next child, Mary Ann, died in early life, in Uniontown, 
Pa., where her brother was Pastor of the Presbyterian Church. She 
was regarded as a young lady of great loveliness of character, as well 
as devoted piety. A second son, the Hon. Judge James C. Agnew, 
died at Edina, Missouri, March ist, 1870, greatly lamented by the citi- 
zens of Knox county, to whom he was well known, and among whom 
he had for many years occupied several responsible civil positions, and 
discharged the duties of Eldership in the Presbyterian Church. During 
the war of the Rebellion he entered the Union Army as Commissary 
of one of its regiments, his two sons entering with him, the one as 
Lieutenant, the other as a private. 

His surviving daughter became the wife of Rev. John R. Agnew, at 
present of Greencastle, a man of fine culture as a scholar, and a noble 
Christian gentleman. 

As a physician. Dr. Agnew possessed a rare combination of qualities. 
Thoroughly conversant in the literature, and familiar with the resources 
of his profession, his opinions were always received with respect by his 
medical friends. Though pressed with the arduous duties of an exten- 
sive and laborious practice, he occasionally contributed to the periodical 
medical literature ot the day, and was often called upon to deliver 
literary, scientific, and religious addresses. His paper on the " Inter- 
mittents of the Susquehanna Region," is one of great merit, and 
attracted the notice of men eminent in the profession. The late Pro- 
fessor Samuel Jackson, of the University of Pennsylvania, spoke in the 
most complimentary terms of both his learning and skill, and on one 
occasion remarked to Rev. Dr. Dewitt, that " if he had an only son 
dangerously ill, there was no physician between Philadelphia and New 
Orleans whose services he would rather have, than those of Dr. 
Agnew." 

The Rev. T. H. Robinson, in his " Historical Address on the Ruling 
Elders of the First Presbyterian Church of Harrisburg," says: "few 
men, have been better fitted in natural talents, in education, in per- 
sonal character, and in public position, than Dr. Agnew, for a wide 



2 72 MEN OF MA RK. 

and permanenl intkience of the best and hig^hest kind over their 
fellow-men. He was a man of notable qualities. In the eye ot the 
world he was one of the marked men of society ; and both in social 
and professional life, as well as in the church, he was promptly 
accorded a place as a leader. 

"Though a charming social companion, and distinguished member of 
the medical profession, Dr. Agnew was not less prominent in the 
church. He led a consistent and godly life, and rarely allowed his 
duties as a physician to prevent his regular attendance on the public 
services of the sanctuary. He was a ruling Elder in the First Presby- 
terian Church of Harrisburg, for fifteen years." 

As an evidence of the high estimation in which Dr. Agnew was held, 
at the special request and on motion of such a man as Jeremiah Evarts, 
he was, in 1826, elected a corporate member of the American Board of 
Commissioners for Foreign Missions. To any agency of the church, 
whether Sunday schools, Bible, Tract, or Temperance societies, he 
gave an active and hearty support. He was emphatically an active, 
earnest, public spirited Christian. 

The Rev. W. M. Paxton, D. D., in a sermon delivered at Greencastle 
after the death of Dr. Agnew, from Psalm xxxvii, ^-j , " Mark the 
perfect man and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace," 
took occasion to speak of him as one to whom this Scripture might 
apply with more than ordinary propriety. Ouoting from that sermon, 
he says, "As aman Dr. Agnew exhibited an assemblage of interesting 
qualities. He had a mind sound, clear and discriminating, naturally 
vigorous but strengthened and polished by a regular course of collegiate 
discipline, expanded by extensive professional study and matured by 
the experience of a protracted life. His literary taste was cultivated 
and correct. To a vigorous and cultivated intellect he added all the 
finer qualities of heart. He was characterized by an expansive benevo- 
lence of feeling. To the old and the young of every class and 
condition he was uniformly tender and affectionate. His heart 
appeared to overflow with the milk of human kindness. In his 
domestic and social relations, he won for himself the most endeared 
affection ; he was a devoted husband, a loving father, and an aftectionate 
friend. The natural serenity and cheerfulness of his temper gave a 
charm to his old age, and the affability and dignified unobtrusiveness 
of his manners elicited the respect and esteem of all who knew him. 
He was esteemed as a public spirited citizen, was honoured as a 
generous, self-sacrificing philanthropist, and valued as a steadfast, 
sympathizing friend." Again, in speaking of the religious side of his 



SAMUEL AGNEW, M. D. 273 

character, he says : " It was as a Cliiistiaii that Dr. Agnew shone pre- 
eminently. A warm hearted but rational piety was the great leading 
feature of his character; it was the pervading and controlling principle 
of his public and private life. He died on the 23d of November, 1 849, in 
the seventy-third year of his life. His death was as gentle and as quiet 
as a summer evening; as calm as when an autumn sun sinks below the 
western horizon, and as its beams gild the bending sky, long after the 
great body of flame is out of sight, so do the delightful memories of his 
life linger in the thoughts and hearts of men. 




JOHN Mcknight, d. d. 

|()HN McKNIGHT was born near Carlisle, Pa., October ist, 1754. 
He graduated at the College of New Jersey, under the Presi- 
dency of Dr. Witherspoon, in 1773. He studied Theology 
under the Rev. Dr. Robert Cooper, Pastor of the Middle Spring 
Church, was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Donegal between 
the meetings of Synod in 1774 and 1775, and was ordained by the 
same Presbytery in the latter part of 1776, or early in 1777. 

Mr. McKnight, soon after his licensure, organized a congregation in 
Virginia, on Elk Branch, embracing the country between Shepherds- 
town and Charlestown. In 1783, he accepted a call to the Lower Marsh 
Creek. Presbyterian Church, in Adams county. Pa. In July, 1 789, he was 
called to be a colleague Pastor with the Rev. Dr. Rodgers, of the 
United Presbyterian congregation of the city of New York. This 
call was accepted, and he was installed on the 2d of December of 
that year. In 1791, he was honoured with the degree of Doctor of 
Divinity from Yale College, and in 1795, was Moderator of the General 
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. 

Dr. McKnight remained in New York, in the earnest and faithful 
discharge of his pastoral duties twenty years, when he resigned his 
charge. On leaving New York, he removed to a small but beautiful 
farm in the neighbourhood of Chambersburg, Pa., which he had pur- 
chased lor a residence. Though declining a regular call, yet he con- 
sented to be a Stated Supply to the church of Rocky Spring, which 
was about three miles from his dwelling. 

In 181 5, he was invited to the Presidency of Dickinson College, and 
accepted the invitation, but finding the fiscal concerns of the institution 
much embarrassed, resigned the office, and returned to his farm, 
preaching as opportunity offered, till his life terminated, October 21st, 

1723- 

Dr. McKnight published six Sermons on Faith, (recommended by 
Drs. Rodgers and Witherspoon,) 1790 ; a Thanksgiving Sermon, 1795 ; 
a Sermon before the New York Missionary Society, i 799 ; a Sermon 
on the Present State of the Political and Religious World, 1802 ; a 
Sermon on the Death of Rev. Dr. John King, 181 1. 

In the year 1776, he was married to Susan, daughter of George 



JOHN Mcknight, d. d. 275 

Brown, of Franklin county, Pa., who survived her husband about nine 
years. They had ten children, two of whom entered the ministry. 

In a letter dated Detroit, March iith, 1853, the Rev. George Duf- 
field, D. D., says : 

"As a preacher Dr. McKnight was calm and dispassionate. Although there was 
very little variety in either his tone or gesture, yet his delivery was far from being dull 
or monotonous, it was well adapted to his matter, which was generally a lucid, logical 
exhibition of some important Scriptural truth. * * * * 

" Dr. McKnight finished his earthly career surrounded by his family and friends, and 
among a people who still greatly reverence his memory. Having commenced his 
ministerial labours in the region where he died, at a very early period after its first set- 
tlement, his name was associated with the earliest and most important events connected 
with the church and cause of Christ within the bounds of the Presbytery of Carlisle. 
There are still living a considerable number who cherish a grateful appreciation of his 
services as an able and faithful minister of Christ." 



REV. JOHN LINN. 




( )HN LINN was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, in the 
year 1 749. His parents were Presbyterians, and were con- 
nected with the congregation of Lower Marsh Creek, in the 
Presbytery of CarHsle. He made a profession of rehgion while he was 
yet quite a youth. He was fitted for college by the Rev. Robert Smith, 
of Pequea, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and was graduated at 
Nassau Hall, during the Presidency of Dr. Witherspoon, in the year 

1773- 

After leaving college, Mr. Linn returned to Pennsylvania, and 

studied Theology under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Robert Cooper,* 

pastor of the congregation of Middle Spring, within the limits of what 

was then Donegal (now Carlisle) Presbytery. He was licensed to 

preach by the Presbytery of Donegal, in December, 1776. Not far 

from a year after his licensure, the congregations of Sherman's valley, 

in Cumberland (now Perry) county, invited him to become their pastor. 

He accepted the invitation, and was accordingly ordained and installed 

shortly after. Here he remained labouring faithfully and efficiendy to 

the close of his ministry, and his life. He died in the year 1820, in the 

seventy-first year oi his age. 

Soon after his setdement in the ministry, he was married to Mary 
Gettys, a native of the neighbourhood in which he resided. She sur- 
vived him a few years. They had seven children, five sons and two 
daughters. One of them, the Rev. James Linn, D. D., born in i 783, 
was the Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Bellefonte, Pa. 

" Mr. Linn," says Rev. Dr. Baird, " was about five feet and ten inches 
in height, pordy and symmetrical in his form, and muscular and active 
in his bodily movements. He had great strength of constitution, and 
uncommon powers of endurance. His disposition was social and 



* Dr. Cooper was born in the north of Ireland, in or about the year 1772, graduated at the College of 
New Jersey in 1763, was licensed by the Presbytery of Carlisle, February 22d, 1765, and was installed 
pastor of Middle Sprjng church, November 21st, of the same year, which church he served thirty-one 
years, resigning the charge on account of declining health. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was con- 
ferred upon him by Dickinson College, in the year 1792. He died April 5th, 1805, in the seventy-third 
year of his age. " As a preacher," says Dr. Moodey, " Dr. Cooper seems to have been distinguished 
rather for the solidity and excellence of his matter, than for elegant diction, or an attractive delivery. He 
was, however, in the earlier part of his ministry particularly, a more than ordinarily popular preacher, and, 
witli the more intelligent and reflecting portion of the community, he retained liis popularity to the last." 



RE I '. JOHN LINN. 2^"] 

cheerful, he could easily accommodate himself to persons of different 
characters and conditions in life, and was cordially welcomed by 
every circle into which he was thrown. He was distinguished for 
sobriety of mind rather than versatility, was reflective rather than 
imaginative. He was accustomed to write his sermons out at full 
length, and deliver them from memory, except that in the summer, 
his morning discourse, which was a lecture on some portion of the 
New Testament, was usually delivered without preparation. He had 
a remarkably clear voice, and expressed himself with great solemnity 
and impressiveness. One of his manuscript sermons — a sermon 
occasioned by the death of the Rev. Samuel Waugh'-- — I have had 
the opportunity of perusing, and it shows that he was a correct writer, 
and an instructive, methodical and earnest preacher. He was uncom- 
monly devoted to the interests of his flock, giving no inconsiderable 
portion of his time to pastoral visitation. In his family, and indeed 
in all his relations, he was a fine example of Christian dignity, tender- 
ness and fidelity." 

* Samuel Waugh was a native of Carroll's Tract, in Adams county, Pa., was graduated at the College 
of New Jersey, in 1773, w.as settled as pastor of the united congregations of East I'ennsborough and 
Monaghan, in 1782, and continued in this relation until his death, which took place in January, 1807. 
One of his parishioners (Judge Clendenin) says of him : — " He was a sound divine, a very acieptaljle 
preacher, and highly esteemed by his people." 

18 




FREDERICK SMITH, ESQ. 

|N the 3d of May, 1861, Frederick Smith closed a Hfe of labour, 
honour and usefulness in Chambersburg. He was born in 
Friends' Cove, Bedford county, Pa., February 6th, 1796, and 
received his classical education at Washington College, After com- 
pleting the study of the law, he removed to Chambersburg, and was 
admitted to the bar in 181 8. Soon establishing a reputation, he was 
appointed District Attorney for Franklin county, and filled the office 
creditably for a number of years. A prominent member of the Demo- 
cratic party, he served several terms in the Legislature, and was twice 
elevated to the Speakership. Although he abandoned active participa- 
tion in politics, early in his career, he always occupied a high position 
in his party, and was frequently prominently brought forward as a 
candidate for gubernatorial nomination. During the greater part of 
his life, he enjoyed a lucrative practice at the bar, and won distinction ■ 
in his profession. At the expiration of the term of Hon. Alexander 
Thomson's judgeship, he was unanimously recommended by his 
brethren at the bar for appointment to the vacancy. 

An ardent friend of education, he took a lively interest in our schools 
and colleges, and was for many years Treasurer of Pennsylvania 
College, and one of its most energetic trustees. Although laboriously 
occupied in his profession, the concerns of his church, the Evangelical 
Lutheran, elicited his warmest interest, and he diligently attended upon 
its services and worked for its welfare. The Sabbath school engaged 
his best efforts, and for a long period he was its Superintendent — from 
July 13th, 1832, to February 3d, 1856. 

No man of his day won more completely the confidence of the 
community, and none exerted a wider influence. A more stainless 
name was never borne in the society of his adopted home ; his word 
was never weighed ; his promises were accepted without questioning, 
and his endorsements passed without the discount of a doubt. 

In manners he was remarkably plain, his demeanor was simple and 
unostentatious, his disposition exceedingly amiable and winning. With 
the agricultural community he was an especial favourite, and to him 
they flocked with their business, and came for advice in all the affairs 
of their lives, trusting him with implicit faith and veneration. 

The beneficent influence which the lives of such men exert over their 



FREDERICK SMITH, ESQ. 279 

neighbours and acquaintances who come long under their operation, 
cannot be estimated ; and it is not too much to say, that the good 
Frederick Smith did lives after him, and that his memory shall be 
loved and honoured when more brilliant citizens will be foreotten. 

He brought up a large family, all but one of which survived him. 
The only exception was his eldest son, Alfred H. Smith, Esq., who 
graduated with high honour at Pennsylvania College, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar of Franklin county. He died in his twenty-eighth 
year, after having acquired a billiant reputation as an editor, and as 
the most remarkable literary genius that his native place produced ; 
having given abundant assurance of his becoming one of the most 
eminent men of letters of our day. 




FRANCIS LAIRD, D. D. 

HE REV. FRANCIS LAIRD, D. D., became the pastor of the 
churches of Plum Creek and Pike Run, in the Presbytery 
of Redstone, Pa., in 1800, where he continued till 1831, when 
he resigned this charge and accepted a call for the whole of his time to 
the church of Murrysville, Pa. Here he continued closely and lovingly 
devoted to the pastoral duties of his charge, till 1850, when he 
resigned on account of the infirmities of old age. He died April 6th, 
1 85 1, in the eighty-seventh year of his age — the fifty-fourth of his 
ministry. 

He graduated at Dickinson College, during the presidency of the 
Rev. Dr. Charles Nisbet, and received the honorary title of D. D. 
ironi Jefferson College. He was a man of studious habits through 
life, well learned, especially inclined to biblical criticism, and well 
qualified for it. Many a young minister profited by his kind, clear and 
correct suggestions in this line. Even to the last days ot his life, his 
supreme delight was the study of the sacred .Scriptures in the original 
tong-ues. When his eyes had become dimmed, so that he could no 
longer read with the subdued light of his room, he would stand out 
of doors in the sun, its light blazing full on the page of the Hebrew 
Bible spread before him, while with quivering finger he essayed to 
follow the words of the Holy Book. 

He strove to draw the truth from the very fountain head, and he 
was content with nothing less. 

F^qually well he loved to communicate it, when possible, in the very 
language in which God had given it to man. During the last 
moments of his life, this desire knew no abatement and was his ruling 
passion. Almost the very last words he uttered, faintly whispered 
into the ear of a sympathizing friend, were the Greek of St. Paul : 
fa pan fa kai en pasi C/iris/os: Chris/ is all and in all. Col. iii, 1 i. 




THOMAS CREIGH, D. D. 

IHE HON. JOHN CREIGH, the grandfather of the Rev. 
Thomas Creigh, emigrated from Ireland to Carlisle, Cumber- 
land county, Pa., in the year 1761, his paternal ancestors 
having left Germany about the year 1640, on account of the religious 
persecution then existing against Protestants. From a private letter 
from the minister of the Presbyterian Church at Carmony, Ireland, it 
appears that the great-grandfather of the Rev. Dr. Creigh was a ruling 
elder in that church in 1719, while his grandfather filled the same office 
in the Presbyterian Church in Carlisle. To this we may add that 
Judge Creigh was an ardent defender of the principles of the American 
Revolution, and his grandson. Dr. Alfred Creigh, of Washington, Pa., 
has his commission bearing date April 29th, 1776, " /;/ defence of 
American Liberty!' 

Such were the paternal ancestors of the Rev. Dr. Creigh, while his 
maternal ancestors — the Parkers and Dunbars — coming from Scotland, 
settled on the banks of the Conodoguinett creek, a few miles from 
Carlisle, near the old Presbyterian Meeting House, as early as i 730, 
some of whom filled the office of elder. 

Dr. John Creigh, the father of the Rev. Dr. Thomas Creio-h, was 
born in Carlisle, educated at Dickinson College, and received his decree 
of M. D., in Philadelphia, and after an eventful life, devoted exclusively 
to the arduous duties of his profession, died in Carlisle on November 
7th, 184S. Dr. John Creigh and Ellen Dunbar Creigh, had six sons 
and four daughters, of whom Thomas was the fonrth son, who was 
born in 1808; of these ten children, but three sons and one dauo-hter 
survive. 

Thomas Creigh received the best English education, which being 
completed, he entered the Latin Grammar school, and in due time 
became a student of Dickinson College. P'or four consecutive years 
he pursued his collegiate studies under Rev. Dr. Wm. Neill, (Presi- 
dent,) Prof Henry Vetake, Rev. Alexander McClelland, Rev. Joseph 
Spencer and Dr. John K. Findley, men who ranked high in their pro- 
fession, and through whose instrumentality the graduates of that 
college were each prepared to act a distinguished part in the active 
duties of life. Among his twenty-one classmates who graduated with 
him in 1828, six became ministers, viz: Rev. Dr. Robert Davidson, 



2(S2 



MEN OF MARK. 



Rev. N. G. White, Rev. E. Y. Buchanan, Rev. Robert Bryson. Rev. 
J. G. Brackenridge, and himself. 

Whilst attending college, Mr. Creigh attached himself to the Pres- 
byterian Church of Carlisle, then under the care of Rev. Dr. George 
Duffield, and after he graduated, placed himself under the Carlisle 
Presbytery. He spent the usual time at the Theological Seminary at 
Princeton, and after being licensed to preach the Gospel by the Carlisle 
Presbytery, he received a call from the Presbyterian Church at Mercers- 
burg, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and was ordained and installed 
on November 17, 1831, in which church he has faithfully laboured for 
forty-four years. In this connection it may be added that this church 
has a peculiar history, worthy of being recorded. Although it had a 
nominal existence for many years, yet its first settled pastor was the 
Rev. John Steele, who served it about two years ; the next was the 
Rev. John King, a licentiate of the Philadelphia Presbytery, who was 
installed pastor on the 30th day of August, 1769, and who resigned his 
charee in 181 1, althouo^h his death from old agfe did not occur until 
July 15, 1 81 3, then in his seventy-third year, having preached to that 
congregation forty-two years. His successor was the Rev. Dr. David 
Elliott, who was a licentiate of the Presbytery of Carlisle, and who 
was ordained and installed October 7, 181 2 ; he resigned the pastoral 
charge of this church October 29, 1829, having filled the pulpit for 
seventeen years. Two years after the close of Dr. Elliott's ministry, 
or on the 17th day of .November, 1831, the Rev. Thomas Creigh was 
installed its pastor; thus, for a space of one hundred and six years, this 
old Presbyterian church, baptized with the Spirit of God, and sanctified 
by His presence, has had but four regularly ordained ministers, and 
until the iSth day of March, 1874, when the death of the Rev. Dr. 
Elliott occurred, two of the three were alive to testify of God's good- 
ness to the church of His own right hand's planting. 

Mr. Creigh received the honorary degree of D. D. from Lafayette 
College, Easton, Pa., about 1853. It can be testified without flattery, 
that Dr. Creigh's high attainments in personal piety, his faithful exhibi- 
tion of Divine truth, his sound judgment, his prudence, his constant 
study to promote the peace and purity of the church and neighbour- 
hood by precept and example, his Interest In behalf of education, and 
his constant desire to promote the extension of the church of his choice 
and of his fathers, handed down to him for so many generations, has 
enabled him, through the blessing of God, to strengthen the church 
entrusted to him by so many precious reminiscences, so many pious 
memorials, and to do a grand life-work. 



THOMAS CREIGH, D. D. 283 

In the town of his early years, of his middle age, and advanced life, 
Dr. Creigh's personal influence far exceeds that of any other person. 
His opinion on all subjects is considered sound and orthodox. As a 
member of Presbytery he occupies a high position. In subjects con- 
nected with the interests of the church his ministerial brethren almost 
invariably take his counsel and advice. And although age and honour- 
able gray hairs have set their mark upon him, his health appears to be 
improving, and from present appearance he will, with the blessing of 
God, attain to his fiftieth year in the ministry. 



MAJOR DAVID NEVIN. 



OWARUS the close of the last century, two brothers of the 
name of Nevin, came from England to this country, one of 
whom settled on the Hudson river, New York, in which 



region his descendants are still found, occupying high social positions, 
and the other of whom, Daniel Nevin, chose Cumberland valley for 
his home. 

Mr. Nevin was united in marriage with Mrs. Margaret Reynolds, 
widowed sister of Dr. Hugh Williamson, elsewhere noticed in this 
volume, and lived at Herron's Branch, near Strasburg, Franklin county. 
The youngest child of this marriage was the subject of this sketch, who 
was born February 23d, 1782. 

In his earlier years he received such education as the school in the 
neighbourhooci could give, and assisted, as he was able, in conducting 
the operations of his father's farm, for which there was a greater 
necessity inasmuch, as his elder and only brother, John, was at the 
time a student in Dickinson College. It would seem that he had 
more than common desire for mental improvement, for often was he 
heard, in after life, by his familiar friends, to speak of books which 
he had read during the long winter evenings, and among which the 
Poems of Robert Burns held a conspicuous place. 

After some training in mercantile pursuits in the neighbourhood of 
the place of his nativity, Mr. Nevin united with his young friend 
McCracken, afterwards General .Samuel McCracken, of Lancaster, 
Ohio, in trading on the Ohio river, a business which, at that time, 
with its risks and toils, required an unusual degree of the spirit of 
enterprise. Returning, after some time, to Cumberland valley, to 
which he was strongly attached, he continued in mercantile life, in 
which his skill, industry, and perseverance were crowned with large 
success. On February ist, 1810, Mr. Nevin married Mary Peirce, 
only daughter of Joseph Peirce, Esq., who resided on one of his farms 
above Carlisle, and who was an only son of one of the first and most 
enterprising setders of Cumberland county. Mrs. Nevin survived 
her husband some fifteen years, after having reached the ordinary 
limit of human existence, three-score years and ten. After her 
decease, the following touching and truthful tribute to her memory 
was published by one occupying a distinguished position in the world, 



MAJOR DAVID NEVIN. 285 

who knew how to appreciate her worth: "Few women have filled 
more honourably through life the proper sphere of woman's relations 
and duties. No one could well be more faithful as a wife, or more 
true and devoted as a mother. Her large family, mourning as they 
do her loss, may count themselves happy in her memory, as they all 
concur also in pronouncing it blessed. Nature and grace combined 
to make her more than usually loving and worthy of love. She 
seemed to live, move, and have her being, in the element of kindness. 
Her spirit was made up of gentleness and peace. The law of self- 
forgetting and self-sacrificing service entered largely into all her domes- 
tic and social relations ; so that she appeared to be never so happy as 
in trying to make others happy. An atmosphere of trustful sincerity 
and hopeful benevolence always attending her, gave her presence for 
this purpose a special adaptation and force. She carried with her 
through life, one might say, the joyous simplicity of a child — a simplic- 
ity which was devoid of all affectation, and that knew no guile. What 
might have seemed to be thus in one view her weakness, became her 
great strength. Her passive nature clothed her with an uncommon 
amount of active resolution and power. Her work in life was great, 
and she did It well. Her praise is not with her own family simply, 
but with all who knew her as neighbours, acquaintances and friends. 
It may be doubted if she ever had an earnest enemy in the community 
to which she belonged; and it is certain that she has now gone down 
to the grave in the midst of universal esteem and regret. It Is felt 
on all sides, that a " mother in Israel " has been taken away, and that 
a mournful void Is created by her removal. There is something 
touching indeed in the spontaneous tribute that Is everywhere paid 
to her acknowledged goodness. But her friends sorrow not for her 
as those who have no hope. She had consecrated herself In early 
life to the service of God ; she showed herself an earnest Christian 
all her days; and she died at last in the full hope of a blessed Immor- 
tality through Him who Is the Resurrection and the Life. Retaining 
the full, unclouded use of her faculties to the end, and knowing well 
that the end was come, she rebuked the tears of those who stood 
sorrowing around her dying bed, professed her unwavering confidence 
In Christ — and In Him wholly and alone — and so, with peaceful 
serenity, surrendered her spirit into the hands of God. Death came 
upon her thus as the Christian's sleep. She died in the Lord." 

In the war of 181 2, Mr. Nevin, In the capacity of Major, with a large 
number of the citizens of Shippensburg, In which place he had then 
come to reside, marched to Baltimore for the defence of that city. 



286 ^^'^ OP MARK. 

The scene at the separation on this occasion, as wives, mothers and 
sisters bade, though with sad hearts and tearful eyes, their loved ones 
go forth and batde for their country, is represented as peculiarly 
thrilling. All interests, however dear, seemed to be merged in 
that of patriotism. And hence, satisfied that duty called them to 
imperil their lives in the tent ; on pestiferous plains,, or amidst 
the death-missiles of the field of conHict, the brave men went for- 
ward with steady step and unyielding nerve to vindicate the right, 
and repel the invading foe. The principal elements ot Major 
Nevin's character were courage, self-reliance, kindness, uprightness, 
enterprise, and decision. He was felt, in the entire section of the 
county in which his days were chiefly spent, to be a man of truth, wis- 
dom, sincerity, justice and force. The Hon. George Sanderson, late 
Mayor of Lancaster, a life-long friend of Major Nevin, says of him : 
" He was one of the best known and most prominent men in the 
Cumberland valley. By his industry and energy he secured for him- 
self the reputation — and deservedly so — of being one of the most 
successful merchants and business men of the community in which he 
resided. A man of the strictest integrity in all his dealings and inter- 
course with his fellow men, his word was at all times as good as his 
bond, and his character was beyond reproach. Kind and generous by 
nature, he was liberal to the poor, never turning a deaf ear to the 
appeals of the distressed, and his numerous charities were bestowed 
without ostentation or self-glorification. Take him all in all, he was a 
model man, and the place he occupied in Shippensburg and its vicinity 
it would be difficult to fill. In short, he was emphatically one of 
nature's noblemen. 

" Major Nevin was a firm and consistent Democrat from principle, 
a sincere admirer of the doctrines promulgated and inculcated by 
Thomas Jefferson, and was withal a man of more than ordinary intel- 
ligence and of great influence in his party. He was a representative 
from Cumberland county in the Reform Convention, 1S37-8, and 
assisted in remodeling the State Constitution. Although not a speak- 
ing member, owing to a diffidence in his own ability, his sound judg- 
ment and the liberal principles which he entertained gave his opinions, 
which were eagerly sought for by his colleagues, a weight in that 
assemblag-e of the talented men of the commonwealth, which few of 
his fellow members of greater pretentions possessed." 

In person Major Nevin was tall, of robust frame, and commanding 
appearance. His countenance was indicative of benignity, quick per- 
ception, prompt action, and strong decision. His manner was dignified 



MAJOR DAVID NEVIN. 287 

and somewhat reserved, ever exhibiting the culture which arose from 
frequent intercourse with the world, and much travel. His whole 
bearing, whilst utterly free from haughtiness, or any undue assumption 
of worth, was expressive of a consciousness of rectitude of intention, 
and a high degree of self-respect. He felt equally at home in associa- 
ting with the great, and in mingling with the humble. 

Major Kevin's health, during many of his last years, was feeble, by 
reason of a severe shock which his system had sustained from a pro- 
tracted attack of malignant fever in 1823. But notwithstanding he 
was thus called to battle with physical prostration and suffering, few 
men were more active in attention to business. " Perseverantia" the 
motto on the family coat of arms, brought over by a kinsman from 
Scotland, seemed to be his actuating and ruling principle. With 
heroic spirit he bore up under a complication of maladies, thus, in all 
probability, as his physician told him, lengthening his earthly career, 
by not allowing himself to sink under the operation of causes which 
threatened, and, but for this reason, must have hastened its termina- 
tion. 

At length, after a long struggle with disease, he departed this life on 
May 27th, 1848, surrounded by most of his family, and in the full exer- 
cise of his mental powers. By special request of the military of the 
town, permission was granted them to march with his funeral, and after 
an admirable funeral discourse pronounced in his late dwelling in the 
centre of the town, by his nephew, John Williamson Nevin, D. D., 
LL. D., the very large concourse which followed his mortal remains to 
the grave showed that his hold upon the public regard was such as it 
is the privilege of but few to have, and that he was as extensively and 
deeply lamented by the community, when dead, as he was respected 
by them while living. His body is now entombed in the family lot in 
Spring Hill Cemetery, where also slumbeps the dust of his wife, and 
eldest son, Joseph P., since deceased, and that of two young daughters, 
whom, in early life, he followed to the grave. 

The surviving sons of Major Nevin, in the order of their age, are : 
Edwin H. Nevin, D. D., Philadelphia, Alfred Nevin, D. D., LL. D., of 
the same city, Samuel Williamson Nevin, Esq., and William Wallace 
Nevin, M. D., both of Shippensburg, and David Robert Bruce Nevin, 
Pension Agent, U. S. A., Philadelphia. The explanation of the giving 
of two such eminent Scottish names to two of his children, is to be 
found in the fact that the family, as reliable tradition affirms, are 
lineally descended from the Scottish heroes from whom these names 
are taken. 




SAMUEL DUNCAN CULBERTSON, M. D. 

'^"M(3NG the remarkable men of the Cumberland valley, no one 
is more entitled to distinction than Samuel Duncan Culbert- 
son. Descending from the best blood of the best days of the 
Republic — the honest, steadfast, patriotic Scotcli-Irish of the Revolu- 
tionary period — he lived to an old age, honoured for his great intellec- 
tual gifts, for his probity and his professional eminence ; admired for his 
commanding personal appearance, his dignity of character, his energy 
and surprising business success ; and beloved for his social attractions, 
benevolence and practical friendliness. 

S. D. Culbertson's ancestors were fervent patriots, and were promi- 
nent actors in the War of Independence. His father, Robert Culbert- 
son, was captain of a battalion of Col. Joseph Armstrong's command 
as early in the Revolution as August, 1776. Captain Culbertson was 
subsequendy ap[)ointed Wagon Master for Cumberland county, (an 
office of much more dignity and importance than it appears in modern 
military grades,) on the 14th of August, 1780, previous to which he had 
been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. 

Col. Joseph Culbertson lived on an adjoining farm ; of him we know 
nothing special. Col. .Samuel Culbertson, a cousin of the foregoing 
brothers, and the most noted of the family, lived in the neighbourhood, 
raised a company of Provincial troops, and marched them to the spring 
running through Robert's farm, when he formed them in confronting 
lines on its opposite shores. Then clasping hands across the stream 
they swore fidelity to the cause of their country. This was a form of 
Scotch swearing w^iich wae deemed peculiarly solemn and irrevocable. 
After the vows were uttered, the oaths were confirmed by draughts 
from a tinful of whisky, which Robert supplied from his still house which 
stood at the head of his famous spring. 

Colonel Samuel Culbertson was a prominent elder of the Rocky 
Spring Church, and was a member of the Assembly for a number of 
sessions. He died on his farm in the "Row," April 17th, 181 7. A 
daughter married General John Rea, member of the Twelfth Congress. 
The Rev. James Culbertson, of Zanesville, Ohio, was his son. 

Colonel Robert Culbertson was married to a daughter of William 
Duncan, who resided near Middle Spring, and whose family was 
among the earliest setders of that neighbourhood. He was an active 



SAMUEL DUNCAN CULBERTSON, M. D. 289 

member of the Presbyterian congregation, then under the pastorate 
of Rev. Dr. Cooper, distinguished ahke for his piety and patriotism. 
The Duncan name is found in the sessions of the Middle Spring 
Church, during the Rev. John Blair's ministry, in 1742. William 
Duncan paid an annual pew rent of £,\ \qs. 6d. in 1782. 

The Culbertsons were connected with the Rocky Spring Church. 
Robert was an attendant of the Old Colonial Meeting House and paid 
to Rev. Craighead, £\ ijs. 6d. as his annual pew rent, in 1776. 

Samuel Duncan, son of Robert Culbertson, was born near Cham- 
bersburg, at " Culbertson's Row," on the 21st of February, 1786. His 
father dying when he was quite young, he was left to the care of his 
widowed mother, a woman of very superior character and culture. 
He received a classical education at Jefferson College, Cannonsburg, 
where, we believe, he was graduated. At that early day, means of 
conveyance to such a distant western point were limited and difficult, 
and our youthful student was accustomed to make his long way to and 
from the college on foot. 

After quitting Cannonsburg, he began the study of medicine under 
Dr. Walmsley, a practitioner of reputation in Chambersburg, who 
removed to Hagerstown, whither his pupil followed him. Dr. 
Walmsley died soon after changing his location, when young Culbert- 
son finished his course of study in the office of Dr. Young, of the 
latter place. During his pupilage, Mr. Culbertson spent one winter in 
attending medical instruction at the celebrated University of Pennsyl- 
vania, then, as now, the foremost medical school in America. 

In 1836, the honourary degree of M. D. was conferred upon him in 
grateful recognition of his eminence and usefulness in the profession. 
Dr. Culbertson commenced the practice of medicine in Chambersburg, 
probably in 1808, and succeeded speedily to a large business and 
acquired great celebrity. His practice extended to a great distance 
from his home, as at that time the country was ill supplied with physi- 
cians, and diseases of a malarious origin were greatly more frequent 
than since the country has been opened up and settled. The luxuri- 
ous vehicles, which carry the doctors so comfortably now, protecting 
them from the fierce beating of the sun and pitiless peltings of storms, 
were unknown to the rural physician, and he was compelled to make 
his laborious rounds on horseback. Wide spread epidemics of bilious 
fevers, dysenteries, and kindred diseases prevailed for a succession of 
years, making the work of the practitioner onerous and oppressive 
indeed. From a letter written in 1823, by a student of Dr. C, we 
learn that the Doctor had ridden from four o'clock in one morning until 



2c,o J/^iV OF MARK. 

three of the next, three days in succession ; and that his office was 
often so full that many patients had to wait for hours before they 
could get speaking to him. In connection with his profession, he 
opened, at an early part of his career, a small drug store, a custom 
which was quite common among doctors at that time. One sultry day, 
a worn and dusty footman walked into his shop, and begged a drink of 
water. The sympathetic proprietor stepped into his yard to get a cool 
draught from the well. While he was gone the ungrateful stranger 
robbed the till. A few years before the Doctor's death, he received 
from a Catholic priest a letter containing a sum of money, which the 
holy father said a rich penitent, in his extreme hour, had ordered to be 
sent to Dr. Culbertson as the principal and interest on the amount 
stolen more than fifty years before. 

Growing weary, he sought to escape from his arduous duties, and 
went to Philadelphia in 1815, and engaged in merchandising, but being 
unsuccessful in his new pursuit, he returned to Chambersburg, and 
resumed his practice, in which he continued until 183 i, when he finally 
relinquished it in favour of Drs. Lane and Bain. He then entered 
upon the manufacturing of straw boards, in conjunction with Mr. 
George A. Shryock (the great pioneer in that new branch of industry,) 
and others, in the first mill of the kind ever erected. Subsequently, 
he purchased the interest of his partners, and conducted the business 
alone, amassing a large iortune. 

During the late war with England, Dr. Culbertson, true to his 
ancestry, was a fiery patriot, and shared in the struggle. With a litde 
band of volunteers gathered from the neighbourhood, he left Chambers- 
burg September 5th, 1812, and marched to Buffalo, where they lay until 
January, 181 3, without any other winter quarters than their own rude 
huts. He held the position of First Lieutenant of his company until 
they reached Meadville. Then the First Pennsylvania Regiment was 
oro-anized and he was appointed Surgeon, in which capacity he served 
until they were mustered out. On the return of the command, he 
resumed his practice. But his quiet life was soon again disturbed. 
In 1 814, the country was alarmed by the intelligence that the British 
threatened Baltimore. The Doctor prompdy called his neighbours to 
arms, raised a company rapidly, was chosen its captain, and marched 
hurriedly, with some eighteen hundred men of Franklin county, to the 
endano-ered city. Then he was once more elevated to the surgeoncy 
of the brieade. We have often listened with enthusiasm to the 
descriptions given of the tumultuous night in which the news was 
brought that the enemy were approaching Baltimore ; when Dr. Cul- 



SAMUEL DUNCAN CULBERTSON, M. D. 29 1 

bertson turned out at midnight, and with drums beating, marched 
through the village streets, summoning his excited townsmen to the 
rescue ; and have felt the glow of patriotic pride as we have heard how 
the dusky forms of responding citizens were seen falling with alacrity 
into the ranks of the swelling procession. 

The love of country which warmed the bosoms of the Culbertsons in 
the days that tried men's souls, and which glowed in the ardent heart 
of their illustrious descendant in the vigour of his manhood, suffered 
no cooling amid the infirmities of his age. When the wicked rebellion 
massed its hosts for the overthrow of the Government and dismember- 
ment of the Republic, he gave no equivocal support to the earnest, 
strenuous prosecution of the war for national existence, but uttered a 
full voiced advocacy of prompt, decided, unintermitting action. 

As a business man, Dr. Culbertson is known to have been extraor- 
dinarily successful ; but it was his professional career that made him 
eminent. In surgery he was very expert and daring; as an obstetrician 
he especially excelled. One who knew him well, says : " his medical 
qualification which most impressed me, was his wonderful readiness 
in discovering the seat of disease, its nature, and its probable issue. 
This rare faculty made his counsel extremely valuable. If a new 
disease appeared (or perhaps I had better say, an unusual disease, 
as a new disease is generally but the re-appearance of a disease itself 
not new,) no one was so apt to detect its character and tendencies, 
and hence none better able to suggest its treatment than Dr. 
Culbertson." 

Dr. C. was not unknown as a medical writer. A lengthy report of 
a case treated by him, was deemed of sufficient value to be appended 
to a work upon kindred diseases by a writer of authority ; and a com- 
munication of his on a vexed question in Physiology attracted the 
hearty commendations of the celebrated Prof Chapman. The style 
of his compositions was admirable, strong, chaste and easy. After 
he had retired from the practice, he was always willing to consult 
with his medical brethren, and, of course, his opinions and advice 
were frequently sought. In his intercourse with his medical brethren, 
he was ever respectful and courteous, observing its ethics with strict 
fidelity, and deporting himself with a delicacy that became proverbial. 
It was fitting then, from this view of his character, no less than out of 
regard to his acknowledged abilities, that the physicians of Franklin 
county, when they formed their first medical society, should have 
unanimously elected him their President. 



2c,2 MEN OF MARK. 

Among the families he attended, he was looked up to as a general 
counsellor, and his advice has strengthened many a household strug- 
gling with affliction ; and he was willing to give not advice only, but 
more substantial assistance. 

The above sketch is written in no spirit of eulogy, but for the sole 
object of historical fidelity. 



JOHN WILLIAMSON NEVIN, D.D., LL. D., 

AS born near the village of Strasburg, Franklin county, Pa., 
February 20th, 1803. His parents were Christian people, 
members of the Presbyterian Church, and much esteemed for 




their uprightness and excellent character. His father, John Nevin, was 
a gentleman of more than ordinary intelligence, a graduate of Dick- 
inson College under the Presidency of Dr. Nisbet, and fond of books, 
but in harmony with his tastes he spent his life in the noble occupa- 
tion of a farmer, living for many years on his beautiful place near 
Shippensburg. For a time he served as a Trustee of the institution 
of which he was an Alumnus, and frequently he contributed articles to 
some of the public journals of his day. His mother was a sister of 
Dr. Hugh Williamson, a distinguished physician, patriot, and states- 
man during the Revolutionary war, who is noticed elsewhere in this 
volume. 

Receiving his preparatory training from his father, John W. Nevin, 
when fourteen years old, entered the Freshman class at Union College, 
Schenectady, N. Y., of which the eminent Dr. Nott was President, and 
although the youngest member of his class, graduated with honour in 
1 82 1. His too much secluded life at college having told upon his 
health, study and books had to be in a great measure given up after 
his graduation, and the idea of pursuing a literary life seemed to be 
shut out forever. His health, however, gradually improved, and in the 
fall of 1823 he entered the Theological Seminary at Princeton. 

Mr. Nevin remained at Princeton five years, three years as student 
of Theology, and two as teacher in the Seminary, Dr. Charles Hodge 
having asked him to take his place during his absence for this length 
of time at the Universities of Germany. Whilst occupying this position, 
at the earnest request of some friends of the .Sabbath school cause, he 
wrote his work on Biblical Antiquities, which was afterwards adopted 
by the American Sunday School Union, and has ever since, by reason 
of its great merit, had a wide circulation. 

Before leaving Princeton he was fixed upon as a proper person to 
fill the chair of Biblical Literature in the Western Theological Semi- 
nary, about to be established by the Presbyterian church at Allegheny 
City. In the fall of 1828 he was licensed to preach the Gospel by the 
Presbytery of Carlisle. Having accepted the invitation to the Semi- 
19 



294 i^^iV OF MARK. 

nary at Allegheny, he remained in connection with it ten years, during 
which, in connection with his colleagues, Dr. Halsey and Dr. Elliot, 
he performed a vast amount of work. In addition to his duties as 
Professor he also edited with ability a paper called The Friend, and 
frequently preached as opportunity offered. At the same time his 
attention was directed to the study of the German language, and it is 
but right to say, that no American scholar has done more in elevating 
the language and literature of the Fatherland to the high repute in 
which they now stand in this country. 

On the 29th of January, 1840, the Synod of the German Reformed 
Church met in a special session at Chambersburg, and elected Dr. 
Nevin to the vacant chair of Theology in the Seminary at Mercersburg. 
This appointment he accepted, and entered upon his duties in the 
following May, with his characteristic energy. At the decease of Dr. 
Rauch, who was President of Marshall College, March 2d, 1841, both 
college and seminary were left solely in the hands of Dr. Nevin. He 
remained at the head of the college from the year 1841 to 1853, when 
it was removed to Lancaster. During this time, with the exception of 
the last two years, he discharged all his duties as a Professor of 
Theology, and until 1844, when the Rev. Dr. Philip Schaff was 
associated with him as Professor of Theology, he was the only Pro- 
fessor in the Seminary. Besides his official duties, he was a frequent 
contributor to the public press, preached often, and carried forward 
many important theological controversies. 

When Marshall College was consolidated with Franklin College, at 
Lancaster, in 1853, Dr. Nevin was elected President of the new insti- 
tution, but felt it to be his duty to decline the position. Removing to 
Lancaster, in 1855, he soon after built his beautiful home, Caernarvon 
Place, in which he has ever since resided. During the period in which 
he had no official position in the church, he took an active part in 
brinrnng to completion the new liturgy or order of worship which had 
engaged the attention of the German Reformed Church, and had called 
out its best talent. His health being somewhat improved, he was 
induced, in 1861, to become Teacher of /Esthetics and the Philosophy of 
History in the college. Five years later, in 1866, he again became 
President of the college, by the general wish of the church as well 
as of its Trustees and Alumni. 

Space will not permit us here to speak in detail of Dr. Nevin's 
numerous writings, consisting of books, addresses, sermons, and other 
articles prepared for the public press. In 1840, he prepared a series 
of articles for the German Reformed Messenger on the Heidelberg 



JOHN WILLIAMSON NEVIN, D. D., LL. D. 295 

Catechism, which excited general attention. They were published in 
book form in 1847, with ^^'^^ title: The History and Genius ok the 
Heidelberg Catechism. This has become a standard work on that 
subject in the church. In 1845, h^ translated the Inaugural Address 
of Dr. Schaff, on T/ie True Principle of Protesfantis?n as related io the 
Present State of the CImrch, with an introduction of his own, com- 
mending the work, and a Sermon on Catholic Unity. In 1846, he 
published his Mystical Presence; a Vindication of the Rcfonncd or 
Calvinistic Doctrine of the Holy Eucharist. This was by far one ot 
his most important publications. It made him favourably known in 
England and Germany as a theologian of rare ability. His views of 
the evils and weaknesses of Protestantism are embodied in a tract enti- 
tled Antichrist ; or, the Spirit of Sect and Schism, which was published 
in 1848. 

We append here the titles of a few other productions of Dr. Nevin's 
pen, some of which have appeared in pamphlet form, others only in 
the Review; Pa ty Spirit; Inaugural Address at Merccrshirg ; The 
German Laiiguage; Eulogy on Dr. Frederick Augtistics Rauch; 
Baccalatireate Addresses; Early Christianity; Cyprian; Plea for 
Philosophy; Human Freedom; Address at the Formal Opening of 
Fra7iklin and Marshall College, at Lancaster; Mans True Destiny; 
The Wonderful Nature of Man ; Address at the Installation of Dr. 
B. C IVolff; The Dutch Crusade; Sottte Notice of Dr. Berg's Last 
JVords; The Lutheran Confession ; Modern Civilization, by Balmes ; 
The Anglican Crisis; Anticreed Heresy; The Moral Order of Sex; 
Wilberfoj'ce on the Incarnation ; Review of Dr. Hodge s Commentary 
on the Ephesians; Chins t ajid Him Crucified; The Liturgical Question; 
Vindication of the Revised Liturgy ; Reply to Dr. Dorncr, oj Berlin, 
Germany; Revelation and Redemption; Revelation of God in Christ; 
Christ and his Spirit; Philosophy of History; The Old Catholic Move- 
ment; Revieiv of Apollos by Bishop Cox; Reply to an Anglican 
Catholic; Christianity and Humanity, read before the Evangelical 
Alliance; and other articles of a kindred nature. His lectures on 
Histlietics and Ethics, and his Notes on Theology have not appeared 
in print. 

Dr. Nevin still remains at the head of Franklin and Marshall College. 
He occasionally uses his pen and frequently preaches. He shows no 
abatement in his intellectual vigour. His discourses are full of unc- 
tion and power, and exhibit a profound knowledge of the Scriptures, 
as well as great compass of thought. Most of the ministers of the 



2q6 men of mark. 

Reformed Church in this State, were at one time his students, and all 
regard him with much veneration and affection. 

Since he left the Seminary at Princeton, his theology has undergone 
many and important changes. This could not well be otherwise. By 
some this has been regarded as an objection, or as a serious defection 
from the faith. He, however, does not think so, but maintains that all 
his changes have been simply parts of his progress in the true faith in 
Christ and Him crucified. This he has brought out in an interesting 
way, and with much seriousness and naivete in a series of articles in 
the Reformed Church Messenger, during the year 1871, under the tide 
" My Own Life." Unfortunately they extend only up to the period 
when he was called to the Professorship in the Seminary at Mercers- 
burg. 

On the first of January, 1835, Dr. Nevin was united in matrimony 
to Martha, second daughter of the Hon. Robert Jenkins, a gentleman 
of excellence and influence, of Windsor Place, near Churchtown, Lan- 
caster county. Pa. His eldest son. Captain W. W. Nevin, is now 
editor of " The Press," in Philadelphia, his second son, Robert J. Nevin, 
D. 1)., is the Rector of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in Rome, Italy, 
and his second daughter, Blanche, is an artist in the city first named. 
Two daughters remain at Caernarvon Place. Three sons have died, 
one in childhood, the others in promising youth. 




N. B. LANE, M. D. 

IICHOLAS BITTINGER LANE was a native of Franklin 
county. He was born near Mont Alto Furnace, at the base 
of the South Mountain, in Ouincy township, on the 15th day 
of August, 1802. His ancestors were emigrants from Holland, who 
came to this country at a very early period, and settled in Lancaster 
county, near Litiz. Samuel Lane, the father of the subject of this 
sketch, a wheelwright by trade, worked his way into Franklin county, 
and married the daughter of Nicholas Bitting-er, a large land owner, 
who had signalized himself in the days of the Revolution as an ardent 
Whig, and who was captured by the British at Fort Washington. 
Inheriting a respectable property in Quincy township, from his father- 
in-law, he settled himself permanently near Funkstown. Daniel and 
Samuel Hughes, of Hagerstown, the latter a very distinguished lawyer, 
determining to erect a furnace on their mountain lands near that 
village, selected Mr. Lane as their superintendent, and under his 
directions were erected, and for a number of years operated, the " Mont 
Alto Iron Works," now so successfully conducted by Col. George 
B. Wiestling. Nicholas, the only son of Samuel Lane, was educated 
with as much care and instruction as could be provided him at home, 
and in the village of Waynesboro', where he was taught the mysteries 
of Surveying by John Flanegan, Esq., one of the most marked men of 
the county. In the spring of 1818, young Lane, then in his sixteenth 
year, commenced the study of medicine with Dr. S. D. Culbertson, of 
Chambersburg, an eminent practitioner of that day, with whom he 
remained until his medical course was completed in the spring of 1822, 
when he received the degree of Doctor of Medieine, not being twenty- 
one years of age, from the celebrated University of Pennsylvania, and 
winning the distinction of having his //lesis published in a leading 
medical journal of that day, by request of the Faculty. 

In 1824, Dr. Lane formed a partnership in the practice of medicine 
with Dr. Alexander T. Dean, then located in Chambersburg, who was 
one of the most accomplished physicians in the State, which association 
continued until Dr. Dean formed the design of removing to Harris- 
burg. The firm of Lane, Bain & Culbertson was then formed, but 
was of short duration; Dr. Culbertson relinquishing practice altogether, 
and Dr. Bain returning to Baltimore from whence he had moved to 



2g8 MEN OF MARK. 

Chambcrsburg. Dr. Lane, after the dissolution of the partnership, 
continued the practice of medicine for about twenty years, acquiring a 
large amount of business and gaining a reputation as a skilful physician 
excelled by none in the State, until he was disabled by the disease 
which closed his life on the 15th of April, 1853. 

The life of a country physician is meagre of incidents of public 
interest, although so fraught with beneficence to individuals ; his toils 
and anxieties, his days and nights of watching and care, his studies 
and habits of thought being devoted to the sole object of relieving 
sickness, healing wounds and averting the shafts of the last enemy. 
Great public affairs go on around him unparticipated and almost 
unobserved by him ; other professions win applause and honours for 
their followers, large fortunes are made and high renown won by his 
fellows in other pursuits, but the worn and wearied country physician 
is almost submerged from public observation while he seeks to rescue 
the precious freight that this wrecked body yet bears. How many a 
splendid intellect, how much culture and sagacity in this grand class 
of workers have passed unnoticed, unsuspected ! Among this class. 
Dr. Lane enjoyed an honourable position. He was a quiet, modest 
and courteous gentleman, fond of study, well posted in all the branches 
of his profession, wonderfully successful in the treatment of diseases, 
and as an operative surgeon cautious and skilful ; besides, he had fine 
literary tastes, was a keen, forcible and ready writer, contributing fre- 
quently to the Diedical joiinials of his day, and in every scheme of 
reform and progress his pen could be relied upon as a powerful ally 
and advocate in his own community. 

Dr. Lane took a deep interest in church aftairs, although not a 
bigot in religion. While maintaining his own views firmly, he at all 
times yielded a respectful deference to the opinions of others ; thus 
securing the good will and esteem of all denominations of Christians. 
He died in the faith of his fathers, a full believer in the doctrines of 
the Evangelical Lutheran Church. 

Dr. Lane left a family of several sons and daughters. Two of his 
sons are engaged extensively in mercantile pursuits in the city of 
Pittsburgh. Two others have adopted the profession of their father 
and are pursuing the practice of medicine in their native county. Dr. 
William C. Lane, his eldest son, graduated in the University of Penn- 
sylvania. As a physician he has received a thorough course of 
training — is devotedly attached to his profession and highly esteemed 
as an efficient practitioner in the community in which he is located. 
As a local historian he deserves more than a passing notice. No 



N. B. LANE, M. D. 299 

man in the State is better informed, or has written more, on the early 
settlement of this part of the Cumberland valley than Dr. Lane. Its 
first setders, its Indian wars and depredations, its noted men and 
events, its early churches and forts, interesting facts and incidents, 
adventures, traditions, &c., &c.; in all this, he is a perfect storehouse 
of knowledge. He writes with great ease and elegance, and will 
dash off page upon page of local history, detailing events, giving 
dates, &c., with a rapidity and accuracy truly wonderful. His writings 
have appeared from time to time, for years past, in our local news- 
papers, and are of great value as contributions to our early history, 
and if compiled would fill volumes. During the war of the Rebellion 
he served as surgeon of the One Hundred and Twenty-second Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers, and afterwards as surgeon of the Board of 
Enrolment of the Sixteenth District of Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Samuel G. Lane, second son of Dr. N. B. Lane, received the 
degree of Doctor of Medicine in the University of Pennsylvania, 
graduadng with the highest honours, and at once entered upon the 
practice of medicine. Young, talented and zealous, of undoubted 
integrity, fine social qualities, and a mind generously stored with varied 
learning, he soon took posidon in the very front rank of his profession, 
acquiring a respectable practice and the confidence and esteem of the 
entire community. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he received 
the appointment of Surgeon to the Fifth Pennsylvania Reserves, 
sharing in the full the active service and dangers of the campaign with 
that noted regiment. His energy and ability as a surgeon attracted 
the attention of Gov. Curdn, who called him from active service in the 
field and commissioned him Assistant Surgeon General of the State. 
In this responsible posidon, by his strict attenton to business, generous 
and impardal conduct, he was looked upon then, as now, with affection 
and gratitude by the entire medical corps of the state. As a writer 
Dr. Lane possesses remarkable ability, contributing much as corres- 
pondent and editor to the newspapers of his native town. 




REV. JAMES BUCHANAN. 

Ml': REV. JAMES BUCHANAN was a native of Chester 
county, Pennsylvania. He received liis collegiate education in 
Dickinson College, Carlisle, where he was graduated Septem- 
ber 28th, 1803. He studied theology with the Rev. Nathan Grier, D. 
D., of Brandywine, and was licensed by the Presbytery of Newcastle, 
when he was about twenty-three years ot age. 

Mr. Pnichanan's first setdement was in the Presbyterian Church of 
Harrisburg, Pa., where he laboured some years with faithfulness and 
success. His health having become impaired, he resigned his pastoral . 
charge, and spent several years in traveling, with a view to its restora- 
tion. At length, finding his health in some degree restored, and 
having received a call from the congregation of Greencastle, he 
accepted it, and became their pastor in the year 181 6. In this pastoral 
charge he laboured with great fidelity and acceptance for about twenty 
years, when, on account of declining health, and his inability to dis- 
charoe his pastoral duties to his own satisfaction, he resigned his 
charge, to the very great regret of his congregation, who were 
devotedly attached to him. In hope of retaining him with them, they 
generously offered to accept a diminished amount of labour, such as 
his weak health would allow, without any diminution of salary. But a 
sense of duty and a regard to their highest interests, induced him 
to withdraw, and open the way for the settlement of another pastor, 
who would be able to give them the full amount of labour. By 
changing his location, also, he hoped that something might be gained 
in point of health, and that his life might be rendered more useful in 
the service of his Divine Master. He accordingly removed with his 
family to Logansport, Indiana, where, in charge of the Presbyterian 
Church in that place, he laboured with encouraging success, until the 
Head of the church dismissed him to the possession of his reward. As 
pleasing evidence that he did not labour in vain, we have been 
informed that during the short period of his ministry there, the church 
increased from about twenty to an hundred members. His death took 
place at Logansport, on the i6th of September, 1843, at the age of 
sixty years. His disease, which was congestion of the brain, and 
which, at its first appearance on the Sabbath, obliged him to close 
abrupdy the public services of the sanctuary in which he was engaged, 



REV. JAMES BUCHANAN. -,Oi 

terminated in death on the Saturday morning following, at five o'clock. 
The nature and violence of his disease incapacitated him for much 
satisfactory conversation. He gave ample evidence, however, of his 
resignation to the will of God, and that his hope of salvation was firmly 
fixed upon the atoning blood of Christ. 

To strangers who did not know Mr. Buchanan, his appearance was 
rather harsh and repulsive. His delicate health and shattered nerves, 
often greatly affected his spirits, and gave to his countenance the 
appearance of severity and moroseness. But he was a man of a warm 
heart, and of a kind and generous disposition. In his friendship he 
was steadfast. Although he was generally grave, yet in the midst of 
his intimate friends he often relaxed, and was highly cheerful and 
sociable. His piety was of a retiring and unostentatious character. 
It was, however, eminently practical, prompting him to the diligent 
discharge of all incumbent duties. He placed a very low estimate on 
his own piety, and although no one else doubted its reality, he himself 
often did. His bodily complaints gave a melancholy complexion to his 
religious experience, and interfered largely with his Christian comfort; 
occasionally, however, he was favoured with seasons of comfort during 
which he greatly enjoyed the consolations of religion. 

As a preacher he held a very respectable rank. His sermons, in 
their structure, were neat, systematic and short ; in their matter, solid, 
evangelical and practical; and in their manner, grave, solemn and 
earnest. Although he could not be considered eloquent, he scarcely 
ever failed to interest and please those who were capable of judging 
correctly, and had a taste for good preaching. Indeed, very few men 
preached so uniformly well. 

In the Judicatories of the church, Mr. Buchanan rarely spoke. This 
was not owing to any want of interest in the affairs of the church, 
or any want of readiness in communicating his thoughts, but to his 
nervous debility, which induced embarrassment, and rendered it ex- 
ceedingly painful for him to make the effort. He was, however, a 
judicious counsellor, and did his part in this way, in the disposal of the 
business of the church. 

In his doctrinal views, he adhered strictly to the standards of the 
church to which he belonged, which he believed to be in conformity 
with the Word of God. He eschewed all novelties in doctrines and 
forms of worship, being content to walk in " the old paths," and the 
"good way" in which his fathers had trod. He was a good man, and 
did a noble work for God. 




HON. THADDEUS STEVENS.* 

[HADDEUS STEVENS was born at Danville, Caledonia 
county, Yermont, on the 4th day of April, 1792. His parents 
were poor, in a community where poverty was the rule and 
wealth the exception. Of his father, I know but little, save that he 
enlisted in the war of 181 2, and died in the service. Upon his mother 
chiefly fell the burden of rearing their four sons. She was a woman of 
great energy, strong will, and deep piety. Early seeing the ambition 
and fully sympathizing with the aspiration of her crippled boy, she 
devotedly seconded his efibrts for the acquisition of knowledge, and 
by her industry, energy and frugality largely aided him in procuring 
a collegiate education. He returned her affection with the full 
strength of his strong nature, and for many years after he had 
acquired fame and fortune in his adopted State, had the pleasure of 
making an annual pilgrimage to the home which he had provided 
for her comfort, and where she dispensed, with means he furnished, a 
liberal charity. 

In the last year of his life, in writing his will with his own hand, 
while making no provision for the care of his own grave, he did not 
forget that of his mother, but set apart an ample sum for that purpose 
directing yearly payments upon the condition, " that the sexton keep 
the grave in good order, and plant roses and other cheerful flowers 
at each of the four corners of said grave each spring." In the same 
instrument, devising one thousand dollars in aid of the establishment 
at his home of a Baptist church, of which society his mother was an 
earnest member, he said, " I do this out of respect to the memory of 
my mother, to whom I owe whatever little of prosperity I have had 
/on earth, which, small as it is, I desire emphatically to acknowledge." 

After attending the common schools of the neighbourhood, he fitted 
for college at the Peacham Academy in his native county, entered 
the University of Vermont, and remained there about two years. The 
college suspending on account of the war, he proceeded to Dartmouth, 
and graduated at that institution in 1814. After reading law at 
Peacham, in the office of Judge Mattocks, for some months, he left 
his native State and settled in Pennsylvania, in 181 5, first in the town 



* From the Eulogy of Hon. O. J. Dickey, pronounced in the House of Representatives, Washington, 
U. C, December 17th, iS68. 



HON. THADDEUS STEVENS. -^OX 

of York, where he taught an academy and pursued his legal studies. 
The rules of court in that district having required students to read 
one year in the office of an attorney, he went to Bel Air, Harford 
county, Maryland, and was there examined and admitted to practice 
in August, 1816. Heat once returned to Pennsylvania and opened 
a law office at Gettysburg, in the county of Adams, and entered upon 
the practice of his profession in that and adjoining counties. He was 
soon in the possession of an extensive and lucrative business, to which 
he gave his entire attention for some sixteen years. 

Mr. Stevens first engaged actively in politics with the Anti-Masonic 
party of 1828-29, which he joined in their opposition to secret 
societies. He was elected to the popular branch of the Legislature 
of his State, in 1833, ^^ a representative from the county of Adams, 
and continued to serve in that body almost without interruption until 
1840, during which entire period he was the leader of the party in 
the Legislature, if not the State. During this service he championed 
many measures of improvement ; among others the common school 
system of Pennsylvania, which, at a critical moment, he saved from 
overthrow by a speech which he always asserted to have been, in 
his opinion, the most effective he ever made. 

By that single effort he established the principle, never since 
seriously questioned in Pennsylvania, that it is the duty of the State 
to provide the facilities of education to all the children of the Com- 
monwealth. In behalf of this measure he joined hands with his 
bitterest personal enemies. He highly eulogized for his course upon 
this question, the chief of the opposing political party. Governor 
George Wolf, and denounced with all his power of invective the time- 
servers of his own party. Himself the child of poverty, he plead the 
cause of the poor, and by the force of his will, intellect, and eloquence, 
broke down the barriers erected by wealth, caste and ignorance, and 
earned a name that will endure as long as a child of Pennsylvania 
gratefully remembers the blessings conferred by light and knowledge. 

In 1837-38, Mr. Stevens was a member of the Convention called to 
revise the Constitution of Pennsylvania, an assemblage which num- 
bered as members many of the strongest men of the State, among 
whom Mr. Stevens stood in the front rank. This Convention, notwith- 
standing the able and strenuous opposition of a strong minority, led 
by Mr. Stevens, inserted the word " white " as a qualification of 
suffrage, thus disfranchising a race. On this account he refused to 
append his name to the completed instrument, and stood alone in such 



304 MEN OF MARK. 

refusal. For the same cause he opposed, but unsuccessfully, the rati- 
fication by tiie people. 

In 1842, Mr. Stevens, finding- himself deeply in debt by reason of 
losses in the iron business, and liabilities incurred in numerous indorse- 
ments made for friends, removed to Lancaster county, one of the 
largest, richest and most populous counties in the State, and resumed 
the practice of his profession. His reputation as a lawyer had pre- 
ceded him, and his income almost at once became the largest at the 
bar. In a few years he paid his debts and saved the bulk of his estate. 
In 1848 and 1850, he was elected to Congress from Lancaster county, 
when, declining to be a candidate, he returned to his profession until 
1858, when he was again elected and continued to hold the seat without 
interruption until his death. His course upon this floor has passed 
into and forms no unimportant part in the history of a mighty people 
in a great crisis of their e.xistence. But I have promised to leave to 
others to say what may be proper in illustration of his great achieve- 
ments in his latter days. 

To those here who judged of the personal appearance of the de- 
ceased only as they looked on him bearing the burden of years, and 
stricken with disease, though he still stood with eye undimmed and will 
undaunted, I may say that in his prime he was a man physically well 
proportioned, muscular and strong, of clear and ruddy complexion, 
with face and feature of great nobility and under perfect command and 
control. In his youth and early manhood, notwithstanding his lame- 
ness, he entered with zest into almost all of the athletic games and 
sports of the times. He was an expert swimmer and an excellent 
horseman. 

When residing at Gettysburg, he followed the chase, and kept his 
hunters and hounds. On a recent visit to his iron works, I found the 
old mountain men garrulous with stories of the risks and dangers of 
the bold rider, as with horse and hound he followed the deer along 
the slopes and through the gaps of the South Mountain. 

In private life among his friends, Mr. Stevens was ever genial, kind 
and considerate. "To them he was linked with hooks of steel. For 
them he would labour and sacrifice without stint, complaint or regret. 
In his hours of relaxation there could be no more genial companion. 
His rare conversational powers, fund of anecdote, brilliant sallies of 
wit and wise sayings upon the topics of the hour, made his company 
much sought, and many of these are the current coin of the circles in 
which he moved. 

Mr. Stevens was an honest and truthful man in public and private 



HON. THADDEUS STEVENS. 305 

life. His word was sacred in letter and spirit, and was never paltered 
in a double sense. In money matters he was liberal to a fault, and out 
of his immense professional income he left but a meagre estate. In his 
private charity he was lavish. He was incapable of saying ho in the 
presence of want and misery. His charity, like his political convictions, 
regarded neither creed nor colour. He was a good classical scholar, 
and was well read in ancient and modern literature, especially on 
subjects of philosophy and law. In his old age he read but few books. 
Shakspeare, Dante, Homer, Milton and the Bible, would, however, 
generally be found upon his table in his sleeping room, where he was 
accustomed to read in bed. He was simple and temperate in his 
habits. He disliked the use of tobacco, and for forty years never used 
or admitted in his house intoxicating drinks, and only then by direction 
of his physician. 

Mr. Stevens was deeply loved and fully trusted by his constituents. 
He was often in advance of their views ; sometimes he ran counter to 
their prejudices or passions, yet such was his popularity with them, so 
strong their faith in his wisdom, in the integrity of his actions and the 
purity of his purpose, that they never failed to support him. 

Popular with men of all parties, with his own supporters his name 
was a household word. To them and among themselves, " Old Thad," 
was a name of endearment, while even his foes spoke of him with 
pride as the " Great Commoner." No man ever died more deeply 
mourned by a constituency than Thaddeus Stevens. 

Having briefly selected some of the incidents that marked the 
history of my friend, I will, in conclusion, say a few words of him on 
the subject in connection with which he is probably more widely 
known than any other — slavery. Mr. Stevens was always an anti- 
slavery man. From the time he left his native mountains, to the 
moment of his death, he was always not only anti-slavery in the 
common acceptation of the term, but a bold, fearless, determined and 
uncompromising foe of oppression in any and every form. He was an 
abolitionist before there was such a party name. His opposition to 
American slavery never altered with his party connection, and was 
never based upon mere questions of expediency or political economv. 
He always viewed it as a great wrong, at war witn the fundamental 
principles of this and all good governments, as a sin in the sight of 
God, and a crime against man. For many years, long before it 
became popular to do so, he denounced this institution as the great 
crime of the nation, on the stump, in the forum, in party conventions, 



3o6 



MEN OF MARK. 



in deliberative assemblies. On this question he was always in advance 
of his party, his State, and constituents. 

Always resident in a border county, he defended the fugitive on all 
occasions, asserted the right of free speech, and stood between the abo- 
litionist and the mob, often with peril to himself This was one great 
cause of his having been so long in a minority, and of his entrance late 
in life into the councils of the nation, but for this, he was fully com- 
pensated by living to see the destruction of an institution which he 
loathed, and by receiving for his reward, and as the crowning glory of 
his life, the blessings of millions he had so largely aided to make free. 

Mr. Stevens died on the iith day of August, 1868, and his remains 
lie in Lancaster, Pa., in a private cemetery established by an old friend, 
in a lot selected by himself, for reasons as stated in the touching and 
beautiful epitaph prepared by himself for inscription on his tomb, "I 
repose in this quiet, secluded spot, not from any natural preference for 
solitude, but finding other cemeteries limited by charter rules as to 
race, I have chosen it that I might be enabled to illustrate in my death 
the principles which I advocated through a long life — equality of man 
before his Creator." 




HON. FREDERICK WATTS. 

IN eminent minister of the Gospel once said, " the leading 
lawyer is always the most prominent member of the com- 
munity in which he lives." 

Whether this is always the case in large cities and commercial 
centres. It is no doubt generally so in agricultural communities ; and 
it certainly is beyond dispute that Judge Watts was the most promi- 
nent member of the community in which he lived, for more than a 
quarter of a century. We find him in the Supreme Court of the 
State as early as October Term, 1827, arguing a case reported in 
16 Sergeant and Rawle, page 416, and as late as May Term, 1869, 
as appears by the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company's appeal, 
reported in 12 Smith, 218, and all through that period of forty-two 
years (except the three he was on the bench) there is not a single 
volume of reports containing the cases from the Middle District, in 
which his name is not found, and few cases of importance from the 
counties in which he practised, in which he was not counsel for either 
plaintiff or defendant in error. Add to this the fact that, for fifteen 
years, he was reporter of the decisions of that court, and during that 
period, and before and after it, engaged in a large office business 
and in the trial of nearly all the important cases in the courts below, 
in his own county and Perry, and we havef abundant evidence of a 
life of more than ordinary industry. 

But this did not satisfy his love of labour. He was during this period 
President of the Cumberland Valley Railroad and continued in that 
office, discharging faithfully all its duties for twenty-six years. To 
his professional duties and those connected with the railroad, he added 
(what was always with him a labour of love) constant activity in agri- 
cultural pursuits, not only managing his farms, but as President of 
the Cumberland County Agricultural Society and an active projector 
of the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania, furthering the general 
agricultural interests of his county and State. 

Judge Watts was born in Carlisle, May 9th, 1801, and is a son of 
David Watts, one of the most distinguished lawyers of his day, whose 
practice extended through all. the middle counties of the State. His 
mother was a daughter of General Miller, of Revolutionary fame, who 
afterwards commanded the United States troops at Baltimore, during 



2o8 M^'N OF MARK. 

the War of 1812. His grandfather, Frederick Watts, was a member 
of the Executive Council of Pennsylvania, before the Revolution, and 
one of the prominent men of the province and subsequent State. 
Having been duly prepared, he entered Dickinson College, whence 
he graduated in 18 19, and passed the two subsequent years with his 
uncle, William Miles, in Erie county, where he cultivated his taste 
for agricultural pursuits. In 1821, he returned to Carlisle and entered 
the office of Andrew Carothers, bLsq., as a law student, was admitted 
to practice in August, 1824, became a partner of his preceptor and 
soon acquired a large and lucrative practice. In 1829, he and the Hon. 
C. B. Penrose, became reporters of the decisions of the Supreme 
Court, and they published three volumes, after which Judge Watts 
became sole reporter, and published ten volumes, and subsequent 
thereto, he and Henry J. Sergeant, Esq., published nine volumes. In 
1845 he ceased reporting, and the same year became President of the 
Cumberland V^alley Railroad. It is to his energy and able manage- 
ment that the people of the valley are indebted for a road which, when 
he took hold of it, was in debt, out of repair, unproductive, and in a 
dilapidated condition, but which, through his energetic and economical 
management, has been brought up to a high state of prosperity, having 
paid all its indebtedness and caused it to yield handsome returns to its 
stockholders. 

On the 9th of March, 1849, ^''^ '^^^ commissioned by Governor 
Johnston, President Judge of the Ninth Judicial District, composed of 
the counties of Cumberland, Perry and Juniata. He retained the office 
until the Judiciary became elective, in 1852, when he resumed his 
practice. In 1854, he exerted all his influence and energy in favour of 
the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania, and upon its organization 
was elected President of the Board of Trustees, in which capacity he 
still acts. During the year 1854, he also projected the erection of gas 
and water works for Carlisle, and having formed a company, was 
elected its President, and remained such until its success was assured. 

If asked for his most prominent characteristics, we would say, force 
of character and abiding self confidence. Whatever he undertook he 
did with all his might, and whatever he believed, he believed implicitly. 
He never sat down at the counsel table to try a case, that he did not 
impress the court and jury that he had perfect confidence that he would 
gain it; and if fortune did not seem to favour him, he never desisted 
until it was disposed of by the court of last resort. His temper was 
completely within his control. His equanimity was perfect, and he was 
ever ready to avail himself of any slip of his adversary. He had great 



HON. FREDERICK WATTS. 



309 



powers of concentration, and always prepared his law points at the 
counsel table as soon as the evidence was closed. This he did with 
great facility, always directing them to the main points of the case. 
His power with the jury was very great. He knew and was known by 
every man in the counties where he practised, and was regarded as a 
man of large intellect, sterling integrity and unblemished honour. To 
these he added the impression of perfect belief in the justice of his 
cause ; and this was effected by a manner which was always dignified, 
and in speech that was clear, strong, convincing and never tedious. 
He despised quirks and quibbles, was a model of fairness in the trial 
of a cause, and always encouraged and treated kindly younger mem- 
bers of the bar that he saw struggling honourably for prominence; 
and when he closed his professional career, he left the bar with the 
profound respect of all its members. 

In i860. Judge Watts removed to one of his farms, at some distance 
from town, and gradually withdrew from active practice, intending to 
devote his whole time to agricultural pursuits. In 1871, he was ten- 
dered the appointment of Commissioner of Agriculture, which he 
declined. The offer was renewed and he was finally induced to 
accept the appointment, and entered upon its duties, August ist, 1871. 
He has ever since devoted himself assiduously to the practical develop- 
ment of the agricultural resources of the country. An admirable 
system pervades his department, and the three divisions are so ar- 
ranged, that the most detailed and accurate information can be obtained 
with the greatest facility. 

The country has not in its employ a more industrious, honest, faith- 
ful, and large hearted servant. 

20 




HON. THOMAS GRUBB McCULLOH. 

so name is remembered with warmer admiration by the people 
of Franklin county, than that of Thomas Grubb McCulloh, 
whose fame as the great lawyer was the pride of his com- 
munity. He was born in Greencasde, on the 20th day of April, 1785. 
His grandfather, George McCulloh, born about 1710, at Killibegs, in 
the county of Donegal, Ireland, came to the American Colonies in 1728) 
settled in Lancaster county, and died in Little Britain, in that county, 
in 1806 or 1807. His father, Robert, was the eldest son of George, 
and was born in i 750. On the maternal side, he was a descendant of 
Thomas Grubb, whose father was one of the earliest emigrants from 
England to this country, coming over with William Penn. Thomas 
Grubb settled in Lancaster county, and his oldest daughter. Prudence, 
was united in marriage with Robert McCulloh, the father of the subject 
of this sketch, in 1778. About this time Robert McCulloh removed to 
Franklin county, where all his children were born. 

Thomas G. McCulloh was educated in Greencastle, under the tuition 
of Mr. Borland, who afterwards became a very eminent Professor in a 
literary institution, in the state of New York. He studied law in 
Chambersburg, under Andrew Dunlop, one of the most distinguished 
lawyers of Pennsylvania, and was admitted to the bar in 1804 or 1805 ; 
and was married on the ist of September, 1808, to Margaret Purviance. 
He practised law in Chambersburg about forty-three years, during 
part of which period he attended the courts of Bedford county, and 
was frequently called upon to try causes in other parts of the state, 
going as far as Pittsburgh even, being retained as counsel in important 
land suits, in which class of cases he had great celebrity. The reports 
of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania furnish ample evidence of his 
immense practice, and bear convincing proof of his renown as a 
lawyer. 

In 182 1, he was elected to Congress, and during his service there 
his wife died suddenly, 26th February, 1821. For five or six terms, he 
represented his county in the House of Representatives of Pennsyl- 
vania, and was mainly instrumental with his colleague, James Dunlop, 
Esq., son of his preceptor, Andrew Dunlop, in having the Cumberland 
\'alley Railroad extended to Chambersburg. He was the first Presi- 



HON. THOMAS GRUBB McCULLOH. ^H 

dent of this road, but resigned a few years before his death. At the 
time of his decease, he was President of the Bank of Chambersburg. 

Thomas G. McCulIoh was not only prominent as a lawyer, but he 
was a man of varied information, capable of discussing almost any 
subject brought before him. He was well versed in agricultural pur- 
suits, and very attentive to the improvement of his farms, of which he 
had, at times, two or three. A man of public spirit and enterprise, he 
was always willing to lend a helping hand to all public improvements 
in his town or county. 

To the day of his death he was a close student, reading works upon 
all subjects, particularly those ot a legal character. He had a large, 
well selected library, miscellaneous and professional, and was constantly 
adding to its volumes. 

When the first drum beat for volunteers to repel the British invasion 
of Baltimore, he stepped from his office into the ranks of the recruiting 
party, and marched with the company to the threatened city. When 
the regiment was formed he was appointed its Quartermaster. He 
took charge of the Franklin Repository, and edited it while its cele- 
brated editor, Mr. Geo. K. Harper, was absent with the army, on the 
northern frontiers. He died at Chambersburg, September loth, 1848. 

Mr. McCulloh was always popular with the members of the bar, not 
only on account of his unusual legal attainments, but for his profes- 
sional courtesy, which was especially extended to its junior members. 
As a public speaker he was not fluent, but was clear and logical, and 
his manner of speaking was of a conversational character, carrying 
great weight with juries. He wrote with skill and force. It is tradi- 
tional that he was singularly independent of the stereotyped formulas 
of legal documents, and that his brief papers were remarkably pointed 
and unassailable. He has left behind him the reputation of being one 
of the ablest jurists of his day. His manners were exceedingly plain 
and popular, and he was always a favourite of his fellow citizens. 



PATRICK ALLISON, D. D. 

JIATRICK ALLISON was born in Franklin (or what was then 
^1 known as Lancaster) county, in the year 1 740. His father, 
William Allison, immigrated to this part of Pennsylvania, early 



in the eighteenth century, from the north of Ireland. He was born in 
1696, and died at his home in Franklin county, in the year 1778. His 
oldest son, John, inherited a large estate and on part of it laid out the 
town of Greencastle. William, the youngest son, lived and died on 
the paternal farm, and for many years exhibited the old house, so 
reolete with ancient memories of border life. 

1. 

Patrick Allison graduated at the University of Pennsylvania, in 1760. 
He commenced his theological studies shortly after he left the Univer- 
sity, but in 1761 was appointed Professor in the Academy at Newark, 
Delaware, which office he accepted. He was licensed to preach by 
the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia, in March, 1763. In August of 
that year, he was invited to a church in Baltimore. He was ordained 
in Philadelphia, by the same Presbytery that licensed him, in 1765, but 
does not appear to have been ever installed in Baltimore, though he 
was always regarded as the pastor, during the long period (thirty-five 
years) that he continueci to serve the congregation. 

Mr. Allison received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from the 
University of Pennsylvania, in 17S2. 

Dr. Allison was married in March, 1787, to Wellary, daughter of 
William Buchanan, a gentleman who distinguished himself by his civil 
services during the War of the Revolution. She survived him about 
twenty years. He left an only child, a daughter, who intermarried 
with Mr. George L. Brown, and tiied in 1849, leaving six children. 

" Dr. Allison's personal appearance," says Robert Purviance, Esq., 
of Baltimore ; " was high, commanding and impressive. He was of 
about the medium height, and in every way well proportioned. His 
manners combined grace with dignity in an uncommon degree, so as 
to invite confidence on the one hand, and to repel all undue familiarity 
on the other. While there was nothing about him that savoured of 
ostentation, there was always that genuine self-respect, that considerate 
regard to circumstances, that cautious forbearance to give unnecessary 
pain, which never fail to secure to an individual a deferential respect 
from all with whom he associates. His moral character was entirely 
above reproach. Accustomed, of course, to move in the highest circles 



PATRICK ALLISON, D. D. 313 

of society, he never forgot the sacredness of his calling, while yet he 
was a highly entertaining and agreeable companion. As he was him- 
self remarkable for propriety of speech, he would never tolerate gross 
improprieties in others, no matter what might be their standing in 
society, and if an expression bordering on profaneness, or even 
indecent levity, were uttered in his hearing, it was very sure to meet 
with a deserved rebuke. His intellectual character was universally 
acknowledged to be of a very high order. His early opportunities for 
the culture of his mind were among the best which the country then 
afforded, and these diligently improved, in connection with his fine 
natural powers, rendered him decidedly eminent even among the 
greater minds of his profession. He was always a diligent student, 
and his studies, instead of being strictly professional, took a wide 
range. He was an elegant Belles Lettres scholar, and was very familiar 
with both ancient and modern history. 

"The versification of Pope, and the chaste beauties of Addison, had 
great attractions for him, and I rather think that the style of Robertson, 
the historian, was the model on which he formed his own. His power 
of mental abstraction is said to have been so remarkable, that he 
experienced no interruption in the composition of a sermon by the 
presence and conversation of company. In the delivery of his sermons 
he always had his manuscript before him, and though his manner could 
not be said to be attractive to a stranger, yet to those who were accus- 
tomed to it, it was very agreeable. His discourses were generally 
didactic, often profoundly argumentative. I once heard an Episcopal 
clergyman of some note expressing rather a low estimate of some of 
the ministers of the day, but of Dr. Allison he remarked with empha- 
sis, ' He was a man of rnatler.' He was especially eminent in the 
judicatories of the church, and in all public bodies, being possessed of 
great penetration, the utmost self-control, and an admirable command 
of thought and language, the most appropriate and elegant. I remem- 
ber to have heard that Dr. Samuel Stanhope Smith, then President of 
Princeton College, remarked to a gentleman of our city, ' Dr. Allison is 
decidedly the ablest statesman we have in the General Assembly of the 
Presbyterian Church.' And the late Dr. Miller, of Princeton, has left 
behind him a similar testimony." 

Dr. Allison died August 21st, 1802, aged about sixty-two. His 
great aversion to appearing as an author induced him to leave, as one 
of his dying injunctions, that all his manuscript sermons should be com- 
mitted to the flames; otherwise, doubtless, there might have been a 
selection made from them for the press, which would have done 
honour to our American pulpit. 




JOSEPH POMEROY. 

JOSKPH POMEROY, merchant, banker and politician, was 
born in Lurgan township, Frankhn county, Pa., October i8th, 
1804. Kducationally his advantages were only such as the 
common schools of the district afforded. While a mere boy, he was 
placed in a store at Shippensburg, Pa., where he acquired a thorough 
knowledge of country business. .Shordy after attaining his majority — 
that is, in 1826 — he commenced business on his own account at Con- 
cord, Franklin county. Pa., continuing the same for twenty-five years, 
and becoming, in 1841, associated with William R. and John M. 
Pomeroy in a steam tannery at the same place. In April, 1851, he 
removed to Juniata county, where he had previously acquired consider- 
able property, and where he resided until his death, conducting a very 
large business in merchandising, tanning, milling and farming. 

In 1867, he was elected President of the Juniata Valley Bank, 
Mifrtintown. He devoted considerable attention to politics, and was 
the recipient of several marked tokens of favour from his party — the 
Republican. In 1831, he was elected to the State Legislature as 
Representative from Franklin county; in 1861, Associate Judge of 
luniata county, being the only successful nominee on the Republican 
ticket; and in 1872, the Representative of his Congressional District 
in the National Republican Convention, held in Philadelphia, in June 
of that year. Kidge Pomeroy was a man of extraordinary enterprise 
and energy, of firm convictions and great tenacity of purpose, com- 
bined with strong common sense, good judgment and excellent address. 
To these qualities his success in life, which was without interruption, 
was wholly due, for he commenced with limited means and only such 
friends as his talents and character had won. 



\ 



^ 





/ 



"rM^HyTu!^. 




HON. HENRY M. WATTS. 

;ENRY miller watts, late Envoy Extraordinary and 
Minister Plenipotentiary to Austria, was born on the loth day 
of October, A. D., 1805, in the borough of Carlisle, Pennsyl- 
vania. He cannot boast, as many justly do, of being a self-made 
man, having, under the Providence of God, derived his being from 
a most respectable and well-known parentage, able and ready to afford 
him all the advantages of education, wealth and position. 

Frederick Watts, his grandfather, was an emigrant from Great 
Britain during our provincial days, and settled in Cumberland county, 
Pennsylvania, having previously married Jane Murray, of the lineage of 
David Murray, famous in the days of the Pretender. In the War of 
the Revolution he held the commission of a General, and was also a 
member of the Executive Council of Pennsylvania. 

General Henry Miller was his maternal grandfather, and from him 
the subject of our sketch derived his name. When a Lieutenant, he 
organized a company in the borough of York, and marched it to 
Boston, where, as the only body of men from a section south of the 
Hudson, it participated in the skirmishes and battles with the British 
on Breed's and Bunker's Hills. His wife was Ursula Rose, one of the 
daughters of Joseph Rose, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who was called 
to the bar in Dublin, Ireland, as a barrister, and emigrated eventually 
to the United States. 

General Miller was an active partisan officer during the Revolution- 
ary' War ; was on intimate and confidential relations with General 
Washington and Colonel Hamilton; belonged to the Cincinnati Society, 
and during the course of his life held several civil offices under the 
Federal party. He died poor. 

David Watts, the father, and only son of Frederick Watts, was a 
graduate of Dickinson College, during the presidency of the Rev. 
Charles Nisbet, D. D. He studied law in the office of William Lewis, 
and after his admission to the bar, began the practice of his profession 
in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He was profound in classical lore, eminent 
as a lawyer, and distinguished in the wide circuit of his practice at the 
bar. 

Henry Miller Watts, favoured with an ancestry so honourable, was 
carefully trained in the best schools; graduated at Dickinson College 



3 1 6 MEN OF MARK. 

in 1824; studied law in Carlisle in the office of Andrew Carothers, who 
had been a pupil of his deceased father; was admitted to the bar as 
Attorney at Law, and removed to the city of Pittsburgh, and within a 
year thereafter, was commissioned as Deputy Attorney General of the 
State of Pennsylvania. This office he held under two successive 
Attorneys General, and then relinquished it ibr more general practice. 
His legal career, amidst many of the most eminent of the profession, 
was a rising one, and soon brought hirn distinction, and with it the 
confidence of the people. 

In 1S35, at the earnest solicitation of the electors of Allegheny 
county, he C9nsented to represent that district in the popular branch of 
the State Legislature. He continued to serve for three successive 
terms, until in 1838, having married Anna Maria, second daughter of 
the late Dr. Peter Shoenberger, he determined to withdraw from the 
arena of politics and to remove with his family to Philadelphia, and 
there follow the more serene and congenial occupation of a lawyer. 
The period of three years, during which he represented his constitu- 
ency, was distinguished by events of great public importance ; the 
foundations of the system of canals and railways were laid ; education 
by means of common schools was instituted ; the Bank of the United 
States was re-chartered ; there was made the first serious assault upon 
the existence of slavery in sister states by advocating the right of trial 
by jury of fugitive slaves ; and the charitable institutions, which now 
redound so much to the credit of the great State of Pennsylvania, were 
enlarged and strengfthened. 

In 1 84 1, induced by the position and reputation of Mr. Watts, 
President Harrison conferred upon him the office of Attorney of the 
United States for the Eastern District of the State of Pennsylvania, in 
which position he was duly confirmed by the Senate of the United 
.States. He fulfilled the duties of this office to the entire satisfaction 
of the Government until the end of the term. 

The incidents of a lawyer's life — devoted to his clients, wear and 
tear of mental and physical powers, an income too often inferior to his 
expenditures, and a disagreeable monotony — became in time irksome 
to Mr. Watts, until, weary of the practice of the law, in 1857 he crossed 
the Atlantic with his family for the purpose of educating his children, 
then eight in number, in the elementary schools of Paris. 

Soon after the outbreak of the great American conflict, Mr. Watts 
became one of the founders of the LInion Club of Philadelphia, an asso- 
ciation of fifty patriotic gentlemen, who, in the darkest day of the war, 
about the close of the year 1862, determined to meet alternately at their 



HON. HENRY M. WATTS. 317 

respective homes in a social circle, in order to knit each other's hearts 
more closely in the holy cause of perpetuating the Union — the only 
condition of membership being jinqiialificd loyalty to the United States. 
At a meeting of the Club in January, 1863, the articles of the associa- 
tion of the Union League of Philadelphia were submitted, duly con- 
sidered, and subscribed by all present. 

It was composed of nearly two thousand wealthy and influential 
citizens ; was distinguished for its earnestness in the cause of the 
Union ; for its liberality in the raising and equipping of several regi- 
ments for the war ; and for the power it exercised in stimulating the 
whole country to active exertion. It still exists as a political and social 
organization, being incorporated by the laws of the Commonwealth. 

In 1863, he took his eldest sons to Dresden, in Saxony, that they 
might enjoy the advantages of education to be derived in that metro- 
polis of literature, and having acquired a knowledge of the German 
language, to become students in the School of Mines and Engineering 
located in that neighbourhood. 

Mr. Watts devoted his time and talents, and made large contribu- 
tions of money in behalf of the Union. Before the close of the war, 
he revisited Europe, and spent much of his time in the cities of Frank- 
fort-on-the-Maine, Dresden, and Berlin. 

After a sojourn of about eighteen months, Mr. Watts returned to 
Philadelphia, anticipating to quietly pass in that cit)' the remainder of 
his life. Yielding, however, either to the promptings of a restless 
ambition, a taste for European habits, or to the wishes of his friends — 
perhaps to all combined — he accepted the honour of Envoy Extra- 
ordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the Empire of Austria. 
Accordingly, in August of 1868, President Johnson, with the unanimous 
consent of the Senate of the United States, forwarded to him his 
commission and letters of instruction. 

Under the peculiar circumstances of this appointment, (with which 
the public mind is still familiar,) this testimonial of respect and confi- 
dence was very grateful to the recipient. His predecessor, the Hon- 
ourable J. Lothrop Motley, had been recalled, much against the sense of 
propriety on the part of his numerous friends, upon some unfounded 
charges preferred against him by a certain McCracken, an epistolary 
myth. 

The period at which Mr. Watts was accredited to Austria was 
unusually propitious. Our civil war was ended ; the battle fields at 
home, and the signal naval victory in the British Channel, had falsified 
the confident predictions of European powers that our Union was a 



, , o MEN OF MARK. 

rope of sand, and incapable of the least strain. An American could 
now enter the courts of Emperors, Kings, and Potentates in simple 
costume, with the firm assurance of a man entitled to the highest 
respect. 

Whilst Mr. Watts was engaged in faithfully discharging the duties 
to which he had been called, the unexpected announcement of the 
purpose of the President to send another Minister to Vienna, led to 
the following correspondence : 

Vienna, May 12th, 186^. 
To His Excellency Henry M. Watts : 

SiK . — We, the undersigned, representing a number of American citizens, naturalized 
citizens, and others, who have served in the Army of the United States, now resident 
in Vienna, respectfully request the honour of your Excellency's company to dinner, 
upon such day as may suit your E.\cellency's convenience. ^ 

It would be presumptuous in us to make any comment upon the sudden and untimely 
removal, by the United States Government, of your Excellency from the high position 
you so worthily fill ; but we may express our sincere regrets that, by your departure 
from Vienna, many of us lose a kind friend, and the Government a faithful public 
servant. 

We have the honour to be your Excellency's obedient servants, 

A. MEHAFFY, 
EMILE SAMSON, 
F. W. PAYNE, M. D., 
JOHN DE VELLO MOORE, M. D, 
In the name of citizens. 

Legation of the United States ok America, 
Vienna, May 13th, i86g. 

To Messrs. A. Mehaffv, Emile Samson, F. W. Payne, M. D , John ue Vello 
Moore, M. D., Committee. 

Gentlemen : I am honored by the receipt of your complimentary note of the 12th 
inst., inviting me on your own and on behalf of the citizens and soldiers of the I'nited 
States, sojourning here, to a dinner prior to my departure from Vienna. 

It is quite natural that I should agree with vou that the recall of our Government 
was, under the circumstances, untimely, and that I should feel with you a little mortifi- 
cation at this sudden severance of our social and diplomatic relations. 

No cause has been assigned for it, and all that take an interest in the event are left to 
conjecture. 

There may, therefore, be no indelicacy on my part, or intention to disparage the 
motives of his Excellency the President of the United States, if I be allowed to say, 
that the removal was not occasioned by any differences between us in regard to public 
policy, the usual incident of a new administration. 

It will be distinctly remembered that the vacation of this imjjortant mission, about 
two years ago, by my predecessor, Mr. Motley, left a disagreeable impression upon the 
minds of our people, and that President Johnson failed, in several successive efforts, 



HON. HENRY M. WATTS. 



319 



to nominate one whose appointment would be acceptable to the Senate. At last he 
presented my name, and I was exceedingly gratified to know that it was promptly and 
unanimously approved. 

Without yielding a blind acquiescence to every act of Congress, it was then well 
understood that my opinions in regard to the reconatruction of the late seceding States 
were decidedly in favour of the Congressional plan, and that it was this divergent 
policy that opened the wide breach that unhappily existed in the harmony of the 
Executive and Legislative Departments, whose administration commenced in peace. 

I was not in Washington during the pending of my appointment, either before the 
President or the Senate ; and when it was tendered to me, only nine months ago, I 
accepted it as a generous and honourable proof of the public esteem and confidence, 
and as firmly determined to avail myself of the high position to render some corres- 
pondent service to the great Western Republic, to which I was bound by every tie, and, 
if possible, to the great Eastern Empire, to which I was to be attached by an intelligent 
sympathy of a common brotherhood. 

At this brilliant epoch of the world, when time and space are annihilated by the 
achievements of science and commerce, the arts and Christianity go hand in hand, 
spreading their softening influence over the asperities of man's rugged nature, there 
seemed no reason to me why the remote and young Republic I would have the honour 
to represent, should not be brought into closer affinity with the more ancient and ven- 
erable Empire to which I was to be accredited, and produce an amalgam of matter and 
spirit, which, in the Providence of God, might be congenial to both. 

But my mission is at an end, and the shortness of it has not enabled me to finish the 
work I happily contemplated. I have, therefore, no claim to the distinction you so 
amiably intended for me, and I beg you will accept my declination of it, with the 
assurance of a perfect reciprocity of the deep interest you have so kindly evinced for 
me. I write this much — no more. 

Truly yours, &c., H. M. WATTS. 

On the first day of June, 1869, his Imperial and Royal Majesty 
accorded to Mr. Watts his last audience, during which the latter laid 
down all official authority, and took leave of his Majesty with mutual 
expressions of the unaffected sorrow, which the marked attention and 
courtesy that had been shown, both to himself and family by the 
Imperial Household, naturally occasioned. 

After his departure from Vienna, Mr. Watts visited Poland, Russia, 
Sweden and Norway, Denmark, and other nations of Europe he had 
not previously seen, deriving much valuable information, and returned 
home greatly gratified with his experience, more convinced than ever 
that the Government of the United States is preferable to all. 

Mr. Watts is at present largely engaged in the development of the 
iron and coal interests of the state of Pennsylvania ; is distinguished 
for his charitable donations, and for the beneficial influence which he 
exerts on society. His intimate acquaintances recognize him as a 
truthful, honourable, and firm friend, of quick and comprehensive views, 
and decided courage in the performance of duty. 




JOHN W. McCULLOUGH, D. D. 

lOHN WILLIAMSON McCULLOUGH was born near New- 
ville, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, November 14th, 
1801. 

His grandfather, John McCullough, came to America from the 
north of Ireland, in 1770, and died in Cumberland county, in posses- 
sion of about 1000 acres of its best land. His son, John McCullough, 
married Mary Williamson, daughter of David Williamson, of Cumber- 
land county, formerly of Trenton, N. J. They named their son after 
his maternal uncle, Capt. John Williamson, of Charleston, S. C, and 
brought him up in the Presbyterian faith. Young McCullough received 
his early education in the country schools of the neighbourhoo.d of his 
birth place. In 1819, he commenced the study of the Languages with 
Mr. John Cooper, of Hopewell Academy, and in September, 1822, 
entered Dickinson College, Carlisle, where he graduated in June, 
1825. At a very early age he had decided to enter the ministry of 
his church, and after leaving college pursued his studies to that effect 
partly at Princeton and partly at Carlisle, under the Rev. George 
Duffield. He was first licensed to preach at Mercersburg, Pa., in 
April, 1828. In the same year he removed to Frederick, Md., as pastor 
of the church there. 

On October 15th, 1829, he was ordained a minister of the Gospel in 
his church at Frederick. LIpon this occasion, the sermon was preached 
by the Rev. Wm. Nevins, of Baltimore, presiding minister. The Rev. 
John Breckinridge, of Baltimore, gave the right hand of fellowship 
and made the opening prayer, and the Rev. Mr. Hubbard, of Taney- 
town, delivered the charge. During his residence at Frederick, he 
married Mary Louisa Duncan, daughter of Judge Duncan, of Carlisle. 
She died in 1839, leaving three children. 

In 1830, he was elected pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, of 
Lansingburg, N. Y., where he remained until November, 1834, when 
he accepted the pastorship of the Presbyterian Church, at Ithica, N. Y. 
At this time he began to be assailed by grave doubts as to whether he 
had espoused the proper cause in religion, and having given the 
subject long, earnest and prayerful consideration, and being fully 
convinced diat he was in error, in March, 1838, he resigned his 
charge at Ithica ai.id withdrew from the ministry of the Presbyterian 



JOHN W. McCULLOUGH, D. D. 321 

Church. He at once aijplied for orders in the Protestant Episcopal 
Church and was ordained a Deacon in the same April, 27th, 1838, at 
Carlisle, by the Rt. Rev. Henry U. Onderdonk, D. D., Bishop of 
Pennsylvania. On the 3d of November of the same year, he was 
ordained Priest by the same Bishop, at Wilmington, Del., whither he 
had been called the September before as Rector of Trinity Parish. 
He found the parish in a languishing condition, but by his unwearied 
exertions he soon caused it to flourish as it had never done before 
since its foundation in 1698. In 1841, he married his second wife, 
Catharine Roberts Canby, daughter of James Canby, of Wilmington. 

In 1845, he was was created a Doctor of Divinity by Columbia Col- 
lege, N. Y., having become conspicuous in the church for his talents 
and ability. In the spring of 1847, he resigned the rectorship of 
Trinity parish and accepted a call to St. John's Church, Lafayette, 
Indiana. Shortly after his arrival there it became necessary to elect 
a Bisho.p for that Diocese, and Dr. McCullough was persuaded by 
Bishop Kemper to become a candidate for the office. At the election 
he was defeated by one vote — his own. 

During the winter of 1849 he received a most unexpected offer of 
the Professorship of Belles Lettres and Mental and Moral Philo- 
sophy in the University of Tennessee, at Jackson, together with the 
Rectorship of St. Luke's Church. After due deliberation he accepted 
the offer and continued in the discharge of his duties at Jackson five 
years. Meanwhile the University of East Tennessee was started and, 
unknown to himself, he was being strongly urged by his friends for the 
Presidency. The following letter picked at random from the papers of 
the Rev. Thos. W. Humes, of Knoxville, one of the Trustees, will 
show the estimation in which he was held by his fellows : 



New York General Theological Seminary, l 
June 20//?, 1853. I 

Rev. and Dear Sir; — I understand that the Rev. J. W. McCullough, D. D., is 
spoken of for the Presidency of the East Tennessee University. May I venture to give 
my testimony in his behalf, as one who is well known to me and whose name is iden- 
tified with personal worth, manly bearing, uncommon mental powers, and large attain- 
ments. As a writer he has few equals, as an executive officer none who knew him ever 
bring him before their thoughts e.xcept as presiding with dignity, with courtesy and effi- 
ciency. Had I time I could gather from this quarter, among the best and most honoured 
men, similar expressions of confidence and esteem No university or college in our 
land but might be proud to secure his distinguished services. 

I understand the election will take place very soon. I have just returned from a trip 
to the country and fearing even that this may be too late I send it at once. But be 



^2 2 MEN OF MARK. 

sure of this, had timely application been made, so high does the Rev. Dr. stand among 
scholars of my acquaintance, that any amount of most honourable testimonials could 
have been forwarded. 

Most respectfully, 

S.\MUEL ROOSEVELT JOHNSON, D. D., 
Prof. Sxst Divinity in ( Episcopal ) General Theological Seminary. 

At the proper time he was elected to the office ; he at first decHned 
it, but being persistently pressed finally accepted it. His reluctance, 
however, was well founded, for circumstances arose which rendered 
it impossible for him in justice to himself to retain the office more than 
one year. He resigned and removed to Baltimore, Md., where he 
remained till i860. At that time his health being far from good he 
decided to try a change of climate, and accepted a call to the very 
pleasant though small parish at Waverly, N. Y. He resigned this in 
1864, and accepted the Rectorship of St. Paul's Church, Alton, Ills., 
where he remained two years. At the end of that time his health hav- 
ing utterly failed, he resigned and removed to Detroit, Mich., where he 
remained about one year, during part of which he was in temporary 
charge of St. John's Church. In .September, 1867, he started east, and 
on his way, while stopping at Waverly to visit his many warm friends, 
was taken ill and after a few days of acute suffering died October 
14th, 1867. His remains rest in the Old Swede's Church-yard at 
Wilmineton, Del. 




C^.. (f3. ^e 



HON. CHARLES BINGHAM PENROSE 




fON of Clement Biddle Penrose and Anna Howard Bingham, 
was born on October 6th, 1 798, at his father's country seat, 
near Frankford, Philadelphia. 

In 1805, his father, being appointed Land Commissioner by Presi- 
dent Jefferson, moved to St. Louis, Mo. In 181 2, he enlisted as a 
private in one of the volunteer companies of that city ; but the organ- 
ization was not called into active service during the war. 

In 1 8 19, Mr. Penrose studied law in Philadelphia, with the late 
Samuel Ewing, Esq., and on being admitted to the bar, in 1821, settled 
in Carlisle. Here he at once took his place among the foremost in 
the number of eminent jurists of which that bar could then justly 
boast. Popular manners, legal erudition, close attention to business, 
and admirable oratorical powers, soon secured him a large practice. 

In 1833, Mr. Penrose was elected to the State Senate, and on the 
expiration of his term was re-elected. In this capacity he achieved dis- 
tinction, even among the men of ability who at that time were chosen 
to this office. In 1841, President Harrison appointed him Solicitor of 
the Treasury, which position he held until the close of President Tyler's 
Administration, discharging its duties with marked ability and fidelity. 

When he resigned his office, returning to Pennsylvania, he resumed 
the practice of his profession in Lancaster, with success. In 1847, he 
settled in Philadelphia, his native city, and soon became largely 
engrossed in his professional pursuits. In 1856, he was elected as a 
Reform candidate to the State Senate, and against the earnest opposi- 
tion of his family, consented to serve. He laboured most faithfully in 
aid of the good cause he had espoused, but the work and exposure 
were more than his constitution could bear, and after a short illness he 
died of pneumonia, at his post in Harrisburg, on April 6th, 1857. 

The character of Mr. Penrose was distinguished by many strong and 
prominent points. He was emphatically self-reliant, depending on his 
own resources in the accomplishment of his plans and purposes. The 
earnestness of his temperament was indicated in everything he under- 
took. Whatever his hand found to do, he did with all his might. 
Such was the enthusiasm of his nature, that it kindled a warm sym- 
pathy on all sides in his favour, and greatly aided him in carrying- for- 
ward his life work. To selfishness he was an entire stranger. " He 



224 MEN OF MARK. 

look(!d not only upon his own things, but also on the things of others." 
Benevolence beamed in his countenance, and often found expression, 
not in good wishes merely, but also in acts of delicate and seasonable 
kindness. His mode of life was simple and frugal. Everything like 
ostentation was shunned by him, and he abhorred self indulgence of 
all sorts. His generosity was apparent to everybody, amounting 
almost to a fault. His manner, which was highly cultivated, was 
gentle, courteous, and genial, offensive to none, attractive to all. 
Especially was he gracious to his inferiors, careful of their rights, and 
considerate of their feelings. Best of all, he was a Christian. He was 
a consistent and exemplary member of the Presbyterian Church, recog- 
nizing it practically as " the whole duty of man to fear God, and keep 
His commandments." 

Mr. Penrose was united in marriage with Valeria Fullerton Biddle, 
a lady of rare culture, attractive address, and lovely Christian 
character. Their home had every endearment which unity of coun- 
sel and plan, as well as tenderness and strength of affection could 
impart. It was pervaded by the very atmosphere of love. Their 
eldest son, William M. Penrose, now deceased, was an eminent 
member of the bar of Carlisle. Their second son, R. A. F. Penrose, 
as a sketch of him elsewhere in this volume shows, lives in Philadelphia, 
and has attained great distinction in the medical profession. Their 
third son, Clement Biddle Penrose, has a fine legal standing and prac- 
tice in the same city. Their eldest daughter remains with the widowed 
mother, and the younger daughter is the wife of William Blight, Esq., 
all residents of Philadelphia. 




ROBERT COOPER GRIER, 

|SSOCIATE JUSTICE of the United States Supreme Court, 
was born in Cumberland county, Pa., March 5th, 1794. 

He was the eldest son of Rev. Isaac Grier, and grandson of 
Rev. Robert Cooper, D. D., both of whom were Presbyterian ministers. 
In the autumn of 1794, his father took charge of the Academy at 
Northumberland, Pa., having a full complement of scholars. At the 
same time he taught a grammar school, preached to three congrega- 
tions, and tilled his own farm for the support of his family. He was a 
superior Latin and Greek scholar, and, as may be imagined, a man of 
remarkable energy of character. He educated his son in the best 
manner, commencing with the Latin tongue at six years of age, and 
when he was but twelve years old he had mastered both it and the 
Greek language. 

Young Grier continued his studies with his father until 181 1, when 
he entered the Junior Class at Dickinson College, and graduated there 
in 181 2. There he surpassed all his fellow-students in his profound 
knowledge of the Ancient Languages, besides excelling in Chemistry. 
He remained at the college, after he had taken his degree, for a year, 
and taught a grammar school therein. His father's health having 
failed about this time, he returned to Northumberland and assisted him 
in his educational establishment. After his father's death, in 181 5, he 
succeeded him as Principal, lectured on Chemistry, Astronomy and 
Mathematics, besides teaching Greek and Latin. His leisure hours 
he devoted to the study of law. He was admitted to practice in 181 7, 
and opened his office in Bloomsburg, Columbia county; in 1818, he 
removed to Danville, in the same county. His practice increased till 
"^^33' when he was appointed by Governor Wolf Judge of the District 
Court of Allegheny county. 

Judge Grier now removed to Pittsburgh. On the 4th of August, 
1846, he was nominated by President Polk, one of the Judges of the 
United States Supreme Court, and unanimously confirmed the next 
day. In 1848, he removed to Philadelphia, and continued to reside 
there until his death, which occurred September 25th, 1870. 

Judge Grier was eminently distinguished for integrity of purpose, 
fidelity to his client, and benevolence to those of limited means, pre- 
ferring justice to gain. He stood very high as a lawyer and as a judge. 
21 



326 MEN OF MARK. 

The esteem of his legal brethren was exhibited in the great deference j 
given to his decisions, and their warm personal friendship. At the 
death of his father, he took charge of his brothers and sisters, ten in 
number, cared for and educated all, as a faithful guardian, until they 
were settled in life. 

In 1829, Judge Grier married Isabella, daughter of John Rose, a 
native of Scotland, who still survives him. 



JAMES HUTCHISON GRAHAM. 




AMES HUTCHISON GRAHAM, Judge, was born Septem- 
ber loth, 1809, in West Pennsborough township, Cumberland 
county. Pa. At Dickinson College, in the same county, he 
received a careful classical education, graduating in the class of 1827. 
Upon leaving this institution, he commenced the study of law in the 
office of Andrew Carothers, a prominent member of the Carlisle bar, 
and was admitted to practice January, 1830. The skill he evinced in 
the management of his first cases, soon placed him among the most 
promising members of this very able bar, and in 1839, he was ap- 
pointed by Governor Porter, Deputy Attorney-General of the State, 
a position he held for six years with signal credit, as was testified 
in 1850, by his election as President Judge of the Ninth Judicial 
District, composed of the counties of Cumberland, Perry and Juniata. 

To this honourable part. Judge Graham was again elected in 1861, 
for another period of ten years, so that at his retirement from this 
office, in 1871, he had passed a score of years upon the bench. His 
decisions were characterized by marked ability and were rarely 
reversed by the Supreme Court upon review — probably as seldom 
as those of any District Judge in the State. After his retirement, he 
resumed practice at the bar in Carlisle, also actively interesting himself 
in giving instruction in the law department of Dickinson College. In 
1862, his Alma Mater conferred upon him the degree of LL. D., an 
honour, in his instance, well merited by a profound acquaintance with 
forensic literature, and uncommon skill in bringing its principles to 
bear on the practical questions of life. He has been twice married, 
his second wife and a large family still surviving. 




HON. R. M. McClelland. 

OBERT M. McClelland was bom August I St, 1807, at 
Green Castle, Franklin county, Pa. 

Amone his ancestors were several officers of rank in the 
War of the Revolution, and some of his family connections also dis- 
tinguished themselves in the War of 181 2, and in that with Mexico. 
His father was an eminent physician and surgeon, who studied his pro- 
fession under Dr. Benjamin Rush, of Philadelphia, and practised it with 
great success until si.x months before his death, which occurred when 
he was eighty-lour years of age. 

Mr. McClelland graduated at Dickinson College, in 1829, among the 
first in his class. He was admitted to the bar, at Chambersburg, in 
1831. He vigorously practised his profession in Pittsburgh for almost 
a year. In 1833, he removed to Monroe, in the territory of Michigan, 
where his legal practice was crowned with success. In 1835, ^^^ 
elected a member of the Convention called to frame a constitution for 
the proposed state of Michigan, and took a prominent and influential 
part in its deliberations. He was appointed the first Bank Commis- 
sioner in the state, by Governor Mason, and was offered the Attorney- 
Generalship, but declined both of these offices. In 1837, he was 
married to Miss Sarah E. Sabine, of Williamstown, Mass. He has 
had six children, three of whom now survive. 

In 1838, Mr. McClelland was elected a member of the State Legisla- 
lature, in which he soon became distinguished as the head of several 
important committees. He was elected Speaker of the House of 
Representatives in 1843. In the same year he was elected to Congress, 
where he soon took a respectable stand among the oldest veterans of 
that body. During his first term he was placed on the Committee on 
Commerce, and originated what was known as the Harbour bills, and 
carried them through. He was re-elected to the Twenty-ninth Congress 
by a strong majority. In this term he was placed at the head of the 
Committee on Commerce. The members of the committee, in apprecia- 
tion of his services, and as an expression of personal regard, presented 
him with a beautiful cane. In 1847, he was elected for a third term to 
Congress, when he was placed on the Committee on Foreign Relations. 
Mr. McClelland was in several National Conventions, and in the 
Baltimore Convention, which nominated Gen. Cass for the Presidency, 



HON. R. M. McClelland. 329 

in 1848. In 1S50, he was chosen a member of the Convention called to 
revise the constitution of the state of Michigan, and took an active and 
controlling part in its deliberations. In the same year he was a member, 
and President of a Democratic State Convention. He was in the 
Democratic National Convention of 1852. He took an active part in 
the canvass which resulted in the election of General Pierce to the 
Presidency over General Scott. 

In 1851, Mr. McClelland was elected Governor, and subsequently 
re-elected. His administration was regarded as wise, prudent and con- 
ciliatory. At the organization of the Cabinet by President Pierce, in 
1853, he was invited to take the position of Secretary of the Interior, 
a place which he filled four years most creditably. He was again a 
member of a Convention to revise the constitution of Michig-an, in 
1867, in which his standing and experience made him conspicuous. 

As a lawyer Mr. McClelland was terse and pointed in the argument 
of law questions, and clear, candid and forcible in his addresses to 
juries, with which he always carried great weight. In his political 
addresses before the people he was especially forcible and happy. In 
private Hfe he is a genial companion, a good neighbour and earnest 
friend, and his great experience and extended knowledge of men and 
public officers enable him to observe with deep interest the great pan- 
orama of public events. His record is a good one, complimentary to 
himself, and creditable to his native valley. 




DANIEL McKINLEY, D. D. 

IHE REV. DANIEL McKINLEY, D. D., was born in Carlisle 
Pa., December 7th, 1800, in which place, and its immediate 
neighbourhood, he spent the period of his youth. 
He was very early the subject of deep religious impressions, and so 
soon as his tenth year, thought he was the subject of special grace. 
He united with the Church of Carlisle, under the pastoral care of the 
Rev. George Duffield, D. D., who, perceiving his ardent piety and 
promising talents, encouraged him to pursue a course of liberal educa- 
tion with reference to the Gospel ministry, which he did at Dickinson 
College, being assisted therein pecuniarily by members of Dr. Duffield's ■ 
congregation. During his course at college, a deep and powerful 
revival of reliofion occured in the church of which he was a member, 
and in it the college largely shared, and it is the testimony of those 
^yho were most deeply interested in these scenes, that young McKin- 
ley's efforts were untiring and invaluable. 

Mr. McKinley graduated at college in the summer of 1824, and 
entered the Theological Seminary at Princeton the autumn of the same 
year. He was licensed by the Presbytery of Carlisle in the autumn of 
1827, and was soon after installed as Pastor of the Presbyterian Church 
in Bedford, where he remained about four years, when he was com- 
pelled by bronchial affection to resign his charge, and desist from the 
labours of the ministry for about two years. The church in Bedford 
was gradually strengthened under his ministry, but there was no 
marked outpouring of God's spirit, such as attended his labours in 
subsequent years. 

When the Second Presbyterian Church in Carlisle was organized, in 
1833, M''- McKinley was chosen as its pastor, and being encouraged 
by the improving state of his health, he accepted the call, and served 
the congregation for about five years. His labours in that field were 
eminently successful. He was zealous, earnest and untiring in his 
work. Considerable religious interest was manifested at several 
periods of his ministry ; and during his pastorate there, seventy-six 
were added to the church on profession of faith. At the close of his 
labours there, the church was established and prosperous, and he 
greatly endeared himself to all classes of the congregation. About this 
time vigorous efforts were being made to arouse the church to the 



DANIEL McKINLEY, D. D. 33 1 

importance of the work of Foreign Missions, which was then compara- 
tively in its infancy, and Mr. McKinley, on account of his well-known 
missionary zeal and fitness for the work, was urged to embark in it 
as an agent. This he consented to do, and for upwards of three years 
he served the board with a vigour, efficiency and success, which told 
powerfully upon the progress of the cause. He aimed especially to 
convince professing Christians of their duty to devote to the Lord a 
definite proportion of their stated income, and he may thus be 
regarded as one of the pioneers of systematic beneficence. 

In the autumn of 1841, Mr. McKinley was chosen pastor of the 
Presbyterian Church, in Chambersburg, and he continued to sustain 
this relation for about nine years. About one year after his installa- 
tion, a powerful revival of religion took place in that church, as the 
result of which thirty- two were added to the church at the succeeding 
communion on examination, and the effects of it were felt for years 
afterwards. Throughout all Mr. McKinley's pastorate at Chambers- 
burg, he was eminently faithful, and during the years of his labours, 
one hundred and four were added to the church on profession of faith. 

In the fall of 1850, he left Chambersburg to take charge of the Sixth 
Church, Pittsburgh, a new enterprise, and one which was supposed 
to afford a good field for the peculiar talents which he possessed. In 
this, however, he was partially disappointed, and after one year's 
labour, he asked to be released from his pastoral relation to the church 
and returned to the Presbytery of Carlisle. 

This Presbytery had just then entered vigorously upon the work of 
church extension within its bounds, and in behalf of this enterprise 
enlisted the services of Dr. McKinley, which contributed greatly to its 
success. 

After spending a year in this service. Dr. McKinley became Agent 
and Evangelist of the Board of Domestic Missions. For this he was 
well fitted, and in it he was eminently successful, until laid aside by the 
disease which proved fatal ; a disease which was undoubtedly hastened 
in its development by his eagerness to labour, and his readiness to 
endure hardships and exposures. He knew not how to spare himself in 
his Master's cause, and especially when he saw tokens of the presence 
of God's spirit, he seemed to forget entirely the frailty of the earthly 
tabernacle. 

Dr. McKinley was present in a number of extensive revivals of 
religion, in the interior of Pennsylvania. In these scenes he was in his 
element. His services were always eagerly sought by the brethren, 
and many interesting incidents in connection with his labours survive / 

/ 
I 

I 
I 



332 MEN OF MARK. 

in the memories of those who were present at, or were subjects of 
these visitations of God's grace. 

In the spring of 1855 he was obHged to desist from labour, by a 
return of his old tendency to bronchial affection, aggravated by other 
painful and threatening symptoms. Under the progress of a disease 
which baffled all skill, he departed this life in Chambersburg, December 
7th, 1855, whither he had gone hoping to be able to attend the sessions 
of the Synod of Baltimore, but where, by reason of rapid decline, he 
remained to die. 

There is no record of Dr. McKinley's death-bed experience and 
triumphs. The nature of his disease prevented any expression of what 
may have been his feelings. But his life was his witness, and his 
monument a life marked by eminent consecration, zeal, and success in 
his Master's work. He was, indeed, an exemplary Christian, and 
most devoted minister. His piety made a deep impression upon all 
with whom he had intercourse, and his efforts to save souls filled 
muldtudes with thankfulness and praise. His mortal remains slumber 
in the grave yard at Carlisle, under a stone erected to his memory 
by members of the church in Chambersburg. 

In 1 83 1, he was married to Miss Mary Wyeth, of Harrisburg, and one 
daughter survives him, the wife of the Rev. James F. Kennedy, D. D., 
the gifted and popular Vice-President of Wilson Female College. 



\ 



WILLIAM RANKIN. M. D. 




|ILLIAM RANKIN was born at Potter's Mills, Centre county, 
Pa., October 9th, 1795. His parents were of highly respecta- 
ble social standing, and exemplary and useful members of the 
Presbyterian Church. 

He graduated at Washington College, Pa., in 18 14. For some time 
he thought of entering the Gospel ministry, but his native timidity as to 
his qualifications for this very responsible office, led him finally to 
relinquish the idea. One year after leaving college he commenced the 
study of medicine with Dr. Dean, an eminent physician of Chambers- 
burg, and graduated at the Medical Department of the University of 
Pennsylvania in 1819. He practised his profession for two years in 
Campbellstown, Franklin county, Pa., after which he removed to Ship- 
pensburg, where, until within two years of the date of his death, he had 
an extensive, laborious and successful practice for more than half a 
century. March 3d, 1829, he was united in marriage with Caroline, 
eldest daughter of Major David Nevin, of the last mendoned place. 
Ten children, the fruit of this marriage survive him. 

Dr. Rankin was endowed by nature with a singularly lovely tempera- 
ment, which developed itself in a corresponding character. He was 
amiable and yet firm, dignified and yet familiar, peculiarly attentive to 
his own sphere of business and duty, and yet deeply interested in the 
welfare of his friends and neighbours, and in the prosperity of the 
community in which he lived. His spirit was generous and sympa- 
thizing. His manner was gentle and conciliatory. His bearing was 
respectful and attractive to persons of every rank and condition. 
Eminently pacific in his disposition, he " followed peace with all men," 
and often sought the blessing of the peacemaker in endeavouring to 
reconcile persons who were at variance. Prudence was one of his 
distinguished traits. 

As a physician. Dr. Rankin occupied a high position. Well prepared 
for his profession by previous education, he never failed to keep 
abreast with its advances, through its current literature. To his laro-e 
and ever-growing library, he added the various medical journals of 
the day, to some of which he made valuable contributions. In his 
judgment he was cautious but decided. His professional brethren, by 
many of whom he was often called into consultation, had the highest 



224 ^^^' OF MARK. 

respect for his skill and attainments. The ethics of the profession 
were sacredly observed by him. His manner in the sick room was 
peculiarly gentle and sympathetic. His reputation reached far beyond 
the wide local range of his ordinary practice. 

As a Christian, Dr. Rankin was consistent, useful and exemplary. 
He habitually "walked with God." Whilst making no affected pre- 
tence to religion, divine truth, as could easily be seen by all, was 
constantly moulding and fashioning his character. The " things 
which are lovely and of good report," adorned his walk and conver- 
sation. He occupied the position of ruling elder in the Presbyterian 
Church of Shippensburg for many years, and discharged its duties in 
a most faithful, conscientious, and acceptable manner. Often, in 
visiting his patients, when he found that earthly skill could not avail, 
he pointed them to the Great Physician, and sought his consoling and 
sustaining aid in their behalf. 

Towards the close of his earthly career. Dr. Rankin was visited with 
a paralytic attack, which disqualified him for professional service. 
After two years' waiting his appointed time, his happy spirit, spared 
the agony of a painful conflict, was released July 15th, 1872, almost 
without a struggle, and passed to the reward of the just. By his death, 
there was removed from earth one, who, in the sweet and tender 
relations of husband and father, was excelled by none, and whose 
departure, even in advanced years, as a member of a community in 
which he had lived nearly fifty years, was universally deplored. It was 
a fitting and touching expression of this regard, by which all the places 
of business in the town were closed, whilst the mortal remains of the 
lamented dead were borne to their resting-place in Spring Hill 
Cemetery, where they shall repose till mortality is swallowed up of 
life. 




-f ■<? ''eyJBiiia I J«i. wlilw-^*^ 




RICHARD WOODS, 

j^HE son of Samuel and Frances (Sterrett) Woods, was born in 
Dickinson township, Cumberland county, Pa., March 3d, 
1804. 

His parents were Scotch-Irish, and one of the oldest and best fami- 
lies in Cumberland valley. They were remarkable for energy, integrity 
and moral culture. Their children were trained with special care. 
The father was noted for reliability, courage, and probity. During the 
progress of the Revolution, he acted in the service of the government 
as Indian scout, an undertaking most dangerous. The mother was a 
woman of devoted piety. Their house, situated in the country, some 
miles from any place of worship, was often used for preaching and 
prayer-meetings. 

Richard was always of a lively disposition. From his very childhood 
he was known as firmly adhering to the truth. This truthful character 
cleaved to him until death. He abhorred insincerity, equivocation, and 
deceit. His opinions were always uttered with such plainness as made 
them easily understood. His word was his bond. He was controlled 
by an habitual desire to do right. He strove to bring his entire life 
into subjection to this rule. It was evident to all who studied his char- 
acter, that he was governed in all matters, even the most trivial, not by 
interest, caprice, or convenience — not by a thirst for popularity, but by 
elevated and unyielding Christian principle. Mr. Woods, being in 
stature about six feet, and of large frame, had an impressive appearance. 
His countenance, habitually thoughtful, was lighted with smiles during 
social and friendly intercourse. His manner was open, genial, courte- 
ous, and refined. He had an exuberant fund of information always at 
his command. Many a friend whilst visiting his hospitable home was 
instructed without the least tinge of pedantry, and made happy in the 
gushing flow of innocent mirth. Though never sent to college, yet by 
diligent study he had acquired a vast amount of theoretical and prac- 
tical knowledge. He attached great importance to mental culture, and 
was guided by this conviction in the schooling of his children. 

Mr. Woods, in his twenty-third year, on November i6th, 1826, mar- 
ried Mary Jane Sterrett, a native of Lancaster county, and a lady of 
great moral worth, whose Christian deportment told with moulding 
effect, not only upon her husband's character, but also upon that of her 



^^5 MEN OF MARK. 

children. His happy conjugal relation threw an almost uninterrupted 
sunshine upon his domestic life, and surrounded him at its close with 
the consoling sympathies of a large and most affectionate family, whose 
love and reverence he had earned by a cordial participation in their 
feelings, and an ever active, yet well regulated interest in their welfare. 
His family numbered thirteen children, three of whom died in infancy, 
and another at the interesting age of nineteen, in the bright hope of a 
blessed immortality. Five sons and four daughters still survive, all of 
whom hold important positions in the several walks of life. 

Mr. Woods always took an active interest in every good cause, 
contributing to their aid not only his energy but also his pecuniary 
means. He liberally assisted in the erection and support of Dickinson 
Presbyterian Church, in which, in 1836, he made a profession of faitl 
livine thereafter as a true and devoted Christian. 

He inherited from his father the original homestead, which was 
among the oldest setdements of Cumberland Valley, and here,' on an 
immense tract of land, he carried on his agricultural pursuits. 

Mr. Woods had early and frequent evidence of public confidence. 
When but twenty-four years of age, and without his seeking, he was 
appointed Justice of the Peace for the district In which he lived, and 
was several times re-appointed, until he declined the position. In this 
office he was eminently useful, seeking always to be a peacemaker 
between the pardes in litigation, and often succeeding, even against his 
own pecuniary Interest. He was often called to serve as arbitrator. 
For many years he was called to be Treasurer of the Cumberland 
Valley Mutual Insurance Company, and by the force of his character 
much enhanced the credit of the Company. He was one of the origi- 
nal directors of the banking house of Ker, Brenneman & Co., after- 
wards changed to Ker, Dunlap & Co., and, finally, when the war came 
on between the North and the South, called "The First National Bank 
of Carlisle." 

He was not only respected, but admired and esteemed by all his 
neighbours and friends. The regard and veneration he received was 
but a just return for the general benevolence by which he was actuated. 
He was a strenuous advocate on all occasions of the rights of his fellow- 
men, and as such, ever and earnestly opposed negro slavery. Firm- 
ness and courage were conspicuous traits in his character, yet with 
these was blended frankness, and a singleness of purpose which dis- 
armed hostility, and disposed those most averse to his views to admire 
and love him as a man. 

Mr. Woods was in feeble health for several years previous to his 



RICHARD WOODS. 3^7 

demise, which occurred February 29th, 1872, in the sixty-eighth year of 
his age. In his last illness, though afflicted with much bodily distress, 
he preserved unimpaired those amiable traits of character by which he 
was distinguished in health, frequently expressing a grateful sense of the 
kindness of those who ministered to his comfort and relief In the full 
possession of his faculties, and aware of the fatal nature of his disease, 
he was perfectly calm and self-possessed ; made arrangement of his 
affairs, spoke to his family as a tender husband and affectionate father 
solicitous for their eternal welfare, exjaressed his firm reliance on the 
mercy of God in Christ, and then departed in peace to his reward, 
leaving to his children an example worthy of imitation, and to the 
world an instance of useful living, and safe and happy dying. 




FREDERICK AUGUSTUS RAUCH. 

HE REV. DR. FREDERICK AUGUSTUS RAUCH, first 
President of Marshall College, was a native of Germany. He 
was born at Kirchbracht, Hesse-Darmstadt, on the 27th of 



July, 1806. His father was a clergyman of the Reformed Church, and 
continued in this relation, until Hesse, following the example set by 
Prussia, in 181 7, resolved the two Confessions, Reformed and Lutheran, 
into one religious communion, known as the Evangelical Church. 

Of the boyhood and youth of Frederick very few particulars can be 
given. Tradition says that he was bright and active, studious and apt 
to learn, and somewhat disposed to waywardness. He enjoyed all the 
advantages of education in his native country, applied himself diligently, 
and made rapid progress in his studies. At the age of eighteen he 
had graduated from the gymnasium, and was admitted to the University 
of Marburg, where he took his diploma in 1827. After this he prose- 
cuted his studies for a year at Giessen. For a time, he was employed 
as an assistant in teaching, by an uncle who had charge of a literary 
institution at Frankford. Another year afterwards he spent as a stu- 
dent at the University of Heidelberg. 

At Heidelberg, Rauch came under the special influence of the dis- 
tinguished philosopher and theologian, Charles Daub. The two men 
were congenial spirits. Daub inspired Rauch with confidence, and 
Rauch at once awakened the liveliest interest of his great teacher. A 
friendship and intimacy, closer than is common between Professor and 
student, sprung up between them. The plastic influence of Daub on 
his life and habits of thought, philosophical but especially religious, was • 
so powerful and permanent, that the association became an epoch in 
his spiritual life, to which Rauch was wont subsequently to refer with 
emphasis as a momentous one in his history. 

On leaving Heidelberg, Dr. Rauch became Extraordinary Professor 
in the University of Giessen. At the end of a year, he was honoured 
with an invitation to accept a regular professorship in the University of 
Heidelberg. His prospects were bright, but in an unguarded moment 
they were dispelled suddenly. Dr. Rauch expressed himself too freely 
on a political question on some public occasion, at Giessen. He never 
liked to refer to the matter subsequently, and his most intimate friends 
in America remained ignorant of the precise character of the offence. 



FREDERICK A UG USTUS RA UCIt. ^3^ 

The result was that, instead of becoming ordinary Professor at Heidel- 
berg, he drew upon himself the displeasure of the government, and 
regard for his personal safety Imposed the necessity of fleeing from 
his fatherland. His departure was sudden. Time allowed him to 
make only a hurried visit to his father, between the hours of eleven 
and one at night. 

Turning his face westward, he landed on our hospitable shores in 
the fall of 1 83 1, being In the twenty-sixth year of his age. Dr. Ranch 
found his way to Easton, where he studied English assiduously, and 
for a livelihood, as he excelled in the science and act of music, gave 
lessons on the piano. Soon he was elected Professor of the German 
Language In Lafayette College. In the spring of 1832, he was 
appointed Principal of a classical school at York, which a few years 
before had been organized by the authorities of the Theological 
Seminary of the (German) Reformed Church, then located at that 
place. Several months later he was chosen Professor of Biblical 
Literature by the Synod of this Church, and ordained to the office of 
the ministry. For three years he laboured in this two-fold capacity at 
York. His chief attention was given to the classical school, which 
increased rapidly In numbers, and soon gained the position and 
character of a first class academy. 

In the summer of 1833, Dr. Ranch was united In marriage with Miss 
Phoebe Moore, a daughter of Mr. Laomi Moore, of Morristown, New 
Jersey. 

In the fall of 1835, ^^ classical school which he presided over was 
removed to Mercersburg. Retaining his position. Dr. Ranch accom- 
panied the institution. Measures were immediately taken to erect the 
school into a college. This was accomplished during the ensuing year, 
1836, when Marshall College was organized. Dr. Rauch became the 
President, being continued at the same time as Professor. 

Dr. Rauch was In all respects a remarkable man. " He was," says 
Dr. E. V. Gerhart, " a man of general Intelligence and of general cul- 
ture. A finished classical scholar, he was at home also In the science 
of the Fine Arts, in the department of History, in Bibical Literature and 
Theology. But his main strength lay in the department of Philosophy. 
For this abstruse sphere he was fitted by natural endowment. Upon 
it also he concentrated with affection his time and his studies, and here 
he attained to great eminence and great power. Acquainted with all 
the systems of Greek philosophy, and with the different phases of 
scholastic thinking developed during the medieval age, he was also 
thoroughly conversant with all the metaphysical systems of the modern 



240 ^^^ (^P MARK. 

world, of Germany, Scotland, and France, with Locke, Hume, Berkeley 
and Reid, with Condillac and Helvetius, no less than with Leibnitz, 
Kant, and Hegel. Yet whilst treading these labyrinthian mazes he 
never let eo his firm hold on the verities of the Christian faith. He 
was not entrapped by the anti-Christian errors of philosophy. 

He was not bewildered by the confusion of systems. He discrimi- 
nated properly between man and psychology, nature and physics, 
the human reason and metaphysics, between a personal God and 
philosophical speculation concerning Him, between the truth revealed 
in Christ and theological science. Christ glorified was the anchor; the 
cable, faith, and the violence of no conflicts could break his moorings." 

He published a work on Psychology, in March, 1840; and at the 
time of his death he had nearly completed his revision of it prelimi- 
nary to a second edition. His Psychology was to have been followed 
by a work on Christian Ethics, and this by another work on yEsthetics. 

We conclude this brief sketch of a noble man with a quotation from 
an eulogy on the life and character of Dr. Rauch, delivered by the Rev. 
J. Williamson Nevin, D. D., who was very intimately associated with 
him for a year at Mercersburg. He says, " I could not but look on it 
as a strange and interesting fact, that the infant college of the (German) 
Reformed Church should have placed at its head, there in Mercersburg, 
without care or calculation, or consciousness even on the part of its 
friends generally, one of the very first minds of Germany, which 
under other circumstances might well have been counted an ornament 
and honour to the oldest institution in the land." 

The remains of Dr. Rauch were buried in a grove belonging to 
Marshall College. When Marshall College was consolidated with 
Franklin College, at Lancaster, 1853, measures were taken to remove 
the body. This was done in March, 1859. His ashes now repose in 
Lancaster Cemetery, and a few years ago a beautiful monument was 
erected to his memory by the Alumni, in the campus of Franklin and 
Marshall College. 




ROBERT DAVIDSON, D. D. 

R. DAVIDSON, son of Dr. Robert Davidson, pastor of the 
Presbyterian Church in Carlisle, and President of Dickinson 
College, was born in Carlisle, Pa., February 23d, 1808. He 
graduated in Dickinson College in 1828, and in Princeton Theological 
Seminary in 1S31. In 1832, he took charge of the McChord Church in 
Lexington, Kentucky. In 1840, he was made President of the Transyl- 
vania University, and the following year received the degree of Doctor 
of Divinity from Centre College, Kentucky. Resigning the Presidency 
in 1842, he was appointed by Governor Letcher, Superintendent of 
Public Instruction for the State of Kentucky. He was also offered a 
~ chair in Centre College ; and was subsequently elected to the Presi- 
dency of Ohio University. All these offers were declined from prefer- 
ence for the pastoral office. 

Dp. Davidson's pastoral charges have been, trlie McChord or .Second 
Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Kentucky, 1832; the First Presby- 
terian Church in New Brunswick, New Jersey, 1843; Spring street 
Church in New York, i860; the Urst Presbyterian Church in Hunting- 
don, Long Island, 1864. In 1868, impaired health required a tempo- 
rary intermission of the active duties of the ministry, since which time 
he has made his abode in Philadelphia. 

He served as Permanent Clerk of the General Assembly from 1845 
till 1850. Por a score of years he has been a member of the Board of 
Foreign Missions ; and since 1867, a Director of Princeton Theological 
Seminary. In 1864, he was appointed one of the Committee on the 
Hymnal. In 1S69, he was one of the delegation to the General 
Assembly of the Free Church of Scodand, in the city of Edinburgh, 
when they were complimented with a public breakfast. 

His published works are the following: " E.xcursion to the Mam- 
moth Cave, with Historical Notes," 1838; "History of the Presbyte- 
rian Church in Kentucky," 1847; "Leaves from the Book of Nature, 
Interpreted by Grace," 1850; "Letters to a Recent Convert," 1853; 
"Elijah, a .Sacred Drama, and other Poems," i860; "The Relation of 
Baptized Children to the Church," 1866; "The Christ of God; or, the 
Relation of Christ to Christianity," 1870. 

PampJilets — "The Bible, the Young Man's Guide;" " Reply to the 

(New School) Manifesto;" "A \'indication of Colleges," (Inaugural;) 
00 



342 MEN OF MARK. 

"The Study of History;" "A Plea for Presbyterianism ;" " Presbyte- 
rianism; Its Place in History;" "History of the First Presbyterian 
Church, New Brunswick, New Jersey;" "The Evils of Disunion;" "A 
Nation's Discipline; or. Trials not Judgments;" "On the Death of 
President Lincoln;" "History of the Presbyterian Church in Hunting- 
don, Long Island ;" " Memoir of Governor Lewis Morris, of New 
Jersey ;" " Piety not Incompatible with the Military Life." To this list 
might be added Funeral Discourses, Sermons in the National Preacher, 
and numerous contributions to McClinlock's Cyclopaedia and divers 
periodicals ; besides his share in the preparation of the Hymnal. 
Dr. Davidson's articles in the Princeton Review are the following : 

1849. Review of Dr. Stone's Life of Dr. Milnor. 

1850. Review of Seymour's Mornings with the Jesuits. Review of 
Layard's Nineveh, and Hawks' Egypt. 

1 85 1. Review of Trench on Miracles. 

1853. Review of Arthur's Successful Merchant, and Van Doren's 
Mercantile Morals. 

The Rev. J. A. Murray, D. D., author of the sketch of Dr. David- 
son's father, published in another part of this book, fitly describes the 
son as "a distinguished educator and learned divine, who still lives, 
advanced in years, but physically and mentally in a wonderful state of 
preservation, and continues instructive and popular as a preacher, and 
no less brilliant in social life." 




BENJAMIN SHRODER SCHNECK. D. D. 

^HE father of Dr. Schneck was a native of the Dukedom of 
Nassau, Germany. He was descended from a most excellent 
family, and emigrated to this country near the close ol the 
last century. He first located in Reading, Pa., where he was married 
to Miss Elizabeth Shroder, a native of that place. They were both 
pious, God fearing parents, who brought up their children in the 
nurture and admonition of the Lord. 

Their son, Benjamin, was born in Upper Bern Township, in the 
northern part of Berks county. Pa., March 14th, 1806. He received 
his early education from his father, and at the age of sixteen connected 
himself with the Reformed Church at Reading, then in charge of Rev. 
William Pauli. He pursued his studies in a private way, and having 
resolved to devote his life to the work of the ministry, he was placed 
under the tuition of the Rev. Dr. Frederick L. Herman, of Falconer 
Swamp, Montgomery county. Pa. His licensure to preach was received 
from the "Free Synod," in east Pennsylvania, on September 6th, 1825. 
His first pastoral charge in Centre county, consisted of seven congre- 
gations. In .September, 1828, he transferred his ecclesiastical relations 
from the "Free" to the regular Synod of his Church. In 1S33, his 
health becoming somewhat impaired, he resigned his charge in Centre 
county, but continued to labour for a season among destitute con- 
ereg-ations in the same reo-ion. After having regained his health to 
some extent, in 1834, he accepted a call to the Gettysburg charge, 
which, however, declining vigour compelled him to relinquish at the 
close of the first year. 

In September, 1835, Dr. Schneck took charge of the "Weekly 
Messenger," which had iust been started in Chambersbury, and 
continued in this relation until 1844, when he resigned. In 1847, ''■^ 
resumed It, and continued In It until 1852. From the early part of 
1840, the Rev. Dr. Samuel R. Fisher was associated with him in the 
editorship, who also became his successor. Dr. Schneck also edited 
at the same place until 1864, when It was removed to Philadelphia, the 
paper called Reformirte Kirchenzeitung, which grew out ot the union 
of two papers, Christlichc Zciischrift and Eva7igelische Kii-chcnzeiiiDig; 
the one previously published in Gettysburg, and the latter in east 
Pennsylvania. 



344 ^^^ OF MARK. 

Dr. Schneck, whilst editor in Chambersburg, took charge (in 1855,) 
of St. John's Reformed Church at that place. Sometime afterward he 
was Professor of German Language and Literature in " Wilson 
Female College." He was frequendy honoured by his church. He 
was President of the General Synod in 1839. I" 1843, he was appointed 
with the Rev. Dr. Theodore Hoffeditz, to visit Germany, to transfer, if 
possible, the Rev. Dr. Frederick W. Krummacher, of Elberfeld, to the 
Theological Seminary then located at Mercersburg, Pa. He was for 
many years an efficient member of the Board of Visitors of the Theo- 
logical Seminary, and for a time also a member of the Board of Home 
Missions. A Professorship in the Theological Seminary at Tiffin, 
Ohio, was tendered him, which he was induced to decline. The 
honourary degree of D. D. was conferred on him by Marshall College, 
in 1845. 

Dr. Schneck was married June 30th, 1836, to Rebecca Riddle, 
daughter of the Hon. James Riddle, of Chambersburg, a lady of fine 
culture and fervent piety, who proved to him a most worthy and 
excellent companion. He died, April 19th, 1874, in the sixty-ninth 
year of his age. 

He was an earnest, instructive, practical preacher. As a pastor he 
never failed to attach his people to him. He was a genial writer, 
equally at home in the German and English languages. He published 
in 1844, Die Deutsche Kanzel, a selection of German sermons for each 
Sunday in the year; in 1846, he edited the Forest Minstrel, for Mrs. 
Lydia Jane Pierson ; he also published The Biiniing of Chambersburg, 
and a volume on " Mercersburg Theology." 

Dr. Schneck possessed attractive social qualities in an eminent 
degree. As a citizen, he was highly esteemed by the community in 
the midst of which he spent the greater part of his life. He was 
honoured by those who knew him best with various public positions 
of prominence. He identified himself with the general interests of 
the place of his residence. His strong hold on the affections of the 
people was indicated by the unusually large attendance at his funeral, 
and the general closing of business during the funeral procession. 
He was lamented by all, as a faithful man, who had done life's work 
well. 




ALEXANDER TAGGART M'GILL, D. D., LL. 1). 

I HE subject of this sketch was born at Cannonsburg, Pa., P'ebru- 
ary 24th, 1807. He graduated at Jefferson College in 1826. 
After a short service in this college as tutor, he went to 
Georgia, studied law, and was admitted to the bar, receiving almost 
immediately afterward several important appointments from the Legis- 
lature of that state. 

In 1 83 1, Mr. McGill returned to Pennsylvania, relinquished the law 
for Theology, the study of which he pursued in the Theological Semi- 
nary of the Associate (now United Presbyterian) Church, then located 
at Cannonsburg. In 1834, he was licensed to preach, and in 1835, ^^ 
was ordained and installed, at Carlisle, Pa., as pastor of three small 
churches, distributed through as many counties, Cumberland, Perry, 
and York. In 1837, he married Eleanor Acheson, daughter of Gen. 
George McCulloch, of Lewistown, Pa., Senator of Pennsylvania, and 
afterwards member of Congress. 

In 1838, Mr. McGill became discontented with the peculiarities of 
the church in which he was born and reared, and connected himself 
with the Old School Presbyterian Church. Soon after this he became 
pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church in Carlisle, where he con- 
tinued about three years, until his election as a Professor in the 
Western Theological Seminary, at Allegheny. On that work he 
entered with the greatest alacrity and pleasure, and very soon had 
ample evidence that it was the right vocation for him. But it was a 
situation of great labour and trial, in view of the struggling con- 
dition of the institution, and at length the toils and anxieties of the 
position told on his health. At the very time his thoughts were 
turning to the southern climate, which he had found so genial and 
sanative in the days of his youth, he received, without the slio-htest 
anticipation, a call to the Seminary at Columbia, S. C. After much 
'hesitation he accepted this call. He spent the winter of 1852-^, at 
Columbia. In 1853, the General Assembly elected him again to 
Allegheny, where his family had remained, and he returned to that 
position. In 1S54, he was transferred to the Seminary at Princeton, 
leaving Allegheny in a prosperous condition. 

Dr. McGill's chair at Princeton, is that of " Ecclesiastical, Homiletic, 
and Pastoral Theology." He was Moderator of the General Assembly 



^,r^ MEN OF MARK. 

of the Presbyterian Church, (Old School) in 1848, Permanent Clerk, 
from 1850 to 1862, and Stated Clerk from 1862 to 1870. He received 
the title of Doctor of Divinity in 1842, from Marshall College, Mercers- 
buro, Pa., and the title of Doctor of Laws from the College of New 
Jersey (Princeton,) in 1868. He has never had robust health, and the 
hard labours to which he has been called, and, still more, bereave- 
ments in his family, have stamped the appearance of old age upon him, 
without impairing at all his usefulness and the activity of his mind. 
His method of preaching always without a manuscript or brief before 
him, has been of great advantage to his popularity as a speaker, 
and still more to the vigour and freshness of his memory, especially in 
the use of Scripture. And owing to his zeal and efforts in training 
students to this method, it has gained largely of late years, both in 
metropolitan and country pulpits of the Presbyterian Church. 

Dr. McGill is a finished scholar, and a superior preacher. With his 
pen, in the pulpit, and in the Professorships he has filled,, he has ren- 
dered valuable service to the church of his adoption, and registered 
his name high on the record of her representative men, both for the 
present age and the generations to follow. 




JAMES WALLACE WEIR, 

|AS born at Harrisburg, Pa., August 9th, 1805. His great- 
grandfathers Weir and Wallace fought together in the siege of 
Derry ; their grandchildren (Samuel Weir and Mary Wallace,) 
met on the bank of the Susquehanna a hundred years after, and were 
united in marriage. 

The father of Mr. Weir was elected one of three elders of the 
Presbyterian Church, at Harrislburg, in 1794, at its organization. His 
death, in 1820, threw his son into the world to secure a living and an 
education as he best could. At the age of sixteen he had an offer of 
a clerkship, with some strong inducements to accept it, in the then great 
hotel of Matthew Wilson, but at that early age he was too much 
opposed to" such a trade to embark in it even indirectly. The leisure 
hours of the business in which he engaged were devoted to mental 
improvement, so that when only sixteen and a half years old he found 
himself calculating the eclipse of February 21st, 1822. 

In 1824, Mr. Weir undertook to edit a small religious paper, and 
with this view learned type-setting, proposing to make the editorial 
chair the ultimate point of his ambition. At this time he learned two 
or three modern languages, and read extensively in political economy, 
politics generally, and the various branches of literature. Whilst thus 
engaged, he received an appointment in a bank at Harrisburg, which 
he accepted. For five years he was clerk in the Branch Bank of 
Pennsylvania, located there ; for eleven years he was teller in the 
Harrisburg bank, and now for thirty-one years he has been cashier 
of the same institution, known at this time as the Harrisburg National 
Bank. Under his cashiership, the value of the stock of this bank has 
been trebled, and the clear earnings have been on the average of the 
last ten years twenty per cent.; this, too, without ever shaving or 
buying a note, or paying interest on deposits. During all this time 
his name has never appeared on the books of the bank as a drawer 
or endorser. 

AUibone's Dictionary of Authors refers to Mr. Weir as a writer of 
force and varied ability, and as the author of several poems of much 
merit. The principal productions of his pen, are "The Closet Com- 
panion," a "Treatise on Sabbath-school Instruction," " Duties of Lay- 
men," and " Social Prayer," all of which were received with marked 



^ ,o MEN OF MARK. 

favoui-, ami recommended by gentlemen of high Htcrary standing. Of 
the many admirable hymns and poems which he has written, we take 
the liberty of introducing here his reflections on his seventieth birthday, 
written August 9th, 1875: 

•• 1 HKEE^CORE ANIl TKN " the ll)' gOIlt.' VCirS, 

How rise their memories to my thoiight : 
The joys and griefs, the hopes and fears, 
That fill the measure of my lot. 

Yet these are lait the wayside sheaves, 

We glean upon the field of years : 
Ol)livion, in its reajjing, leaves 

But here and there some si attered ears. 

Perhaps 'tis well we can l)nt glean — 

For could we harvest all the past, 
loys too intense, and griefs too keen. 

Were o'er our present being cast. 

. Life's current duties must be met ; 

And 'tis but glances we can give 
I'he darkening past — the game is set, 
.Vnd we nuist for tlie mastery strive. 

(iird up thyself, my s[}irit then, 

In Him who gives all needful grace ; 
I'hou canst not now alTord to s|)end 

Thx closing \ear^ in idleness. 

The past thou c.mst n(_)t now regain — 

The shortening lutuie is thine own : 
To Faith and Hope and Love attain — 

These spoils from Time mav still be won. 

The volumes just referred to were written by Mr. Weir in early 
life. As he became absorbed in the aftairs of the institution over 
which he presided, he forsook the paths of literature into which his 
youthful aspirations and bent had led him, to devote himself entirely to 
the arduous duties of his high financial position. And yet he could 
nor entirely relinquish his literary tastes, and was occasionally drawn 
from his business to preside at seminary commencements and other 
literary and educational occasions, on which the evidence of his genius 
and taste was among the most gratifying displays. Had his talent 
been permitted to follow its bent there is little doubt that he would 
have ranked with the poet banker Rogers, but he chose a more 
secluded life and contented himself with doing good in other directions. 

Mr. Weir joined the Presbyterian Church at Harrisburg in 1830. 
In 1S34. he was elected an elder, and has ever since filled this office. 



JAMES WALLACE WEIR. 345 

He has been connected with the Sunday-school about fifty years, and 
has been Superintendent of the school of that church for over forty 
years. He was one of the first, firmest and most influential friends of 
the anti-slavery and temperance causes. In 1859, he was elected a 
corporate member of the American Board of Commissioners for 
Foreign Missions, and long continued to promote its interests in every 
way in his power. 

During his long life Mr. Weir has always resided in the city of 
his birth, with the exception of but six months, and that was while 
moving among the printing of^ces of Philadelphia. His steadfast 
residence in his native place has only tended to increase his influence 
and to endear him more and more to his neighbours. On August 9th, 
of this year, (1S75,) there was a celebration of his seventieth birthday. 
To this event a correspondent of a Philadelphia daily thus refers : 

" Yesterday the personal friends of this distinguished financier united 
in an ovation of respect such as is not often paid to men who lead a 
purely private career. It was as genuine a surprise as a magnificent 
success. Before the bank opened the different employees of the insti- 
tution waited on the cashier in a body and tendered him their con- 
gratulations in an address full of affection and respect, the address 
being accompanied by a photographic group of their portraits in a 
large frame. When the bank opened, at nine o'clock, a stream of 
visitors began to pour into the cashier's room, until it was found 
necessary to occupy other parts of the house, where the nieces of Mr. 
Weir had prepared a collation for the entertainment of his friends. 
The callers continued to appear until three o'clock in the afternoon, 
during which time over eight hundred people paid their respects. On 
behalf of the directors of the bank, Mr. Weir was presented with a 
solid silver tea set. Messrs. Dougherty, Brothers & Co., sent a 
swinging silver ice pitcher, and a large number of bouquets were 
received. One hundred and fifty congratulatory letters were laid on 
the cashier's table, and the day wound up with a dinner, at which nine- 
teen of the old friends of the cashier were present, whose average age 
was seventy-five years." 

Such a demonstration is in the highest degree complimentary to Mr. 
Weir, and is but the expression of a feeling of esteem which is univer- 
sal. No man better deserves it than James Wallace Weir. No 
banker in the State has a more unsullied reputation, and no man in 
any community, reaching the age of seventy years, has a purer per- 
sonal reputation. Uprightness, benevolence, energy, geniality, courage 
in duty, fidelity in earth's various relations, all sanctified and adorned 
by religion, eminently mark his symmetrical character. 



SAMUEL R. FISHER, D. D. 

HE REV. SAMUEL R. FISHER was born in Norristown, Mont- 
gomery county, Pa., June 2d, 18 10, the sixth son of a family 
of seven boys, the three youngest and the eldest of whom 
are still living. His ancestors, both paternal and maternal, emigrated 
from the Palatinate in Germany, early in the eighteenth century. 
They fled from persecution and were among the first Germans from 
that section of Germany who setded in Pennsylvania, and aided in 
organizing the first Reformed Churches in this state. They setded 
on the wild lands, in what was then Philadelphia, but now Montgomery 
county, the former near Sumneytown, and the latter near Hatfield 
station, on the North Pennsylvania Railroad. 

His paternal and maternal grandparents were all born in this 
country, his father being the youngest of a family of thirteen, and his 
mother, next to the youngest of a family of twelve children. His 
paternal grandfather, George Fisher, was a soldier in the Revolu- 
tionary army, and as such passed thrpugh many trying scenes. His 
maternal grandfather, Jacob Reed, was Lieutenant-Colonel of the 
Pennsylvania militia, and was in the battles of Trenton, Germantown, 
Brandywine, &c. 

Young Fisher commenced going to school very early, his parents 
availing themselves of such facilities for educatinyf their children, as 
were afi'orded by the schools then in existence. From his earliest 
years he was piously inclined, and had a desire to make the Christian 
ministry his vocation in life. His father's pecuniary circumstances, 
however, having become straitened, he had partially abandoned the 
idea, because of his supposed inability to acquire the necessary educa- 
tion. His aspirations were revived in this direction, by a proposition 
from his relative and god-father, the Rev. George Wack, to take him 
into his family, and give him such instruction as his leisure from other 
duties that were required of him, would enable him to receive. With 
this object in view, he entered his family in the spring of 1824, and 
continued there nearly five years. 

In the spring of 1826, he attended a course of catechetical lectures 
with a view to confirmation. On the 27th of May of that year, he was 
confirmed in Boehm's Church, of which the Rev. George Wack was 
pastor, then lacking five days of being sixteen years of age, and 



SAMUEL R. FISHER. D. D. 3^^ I 

admitted for the first time to the Holy Communion of the Lord's 
Supper, a privilege which he enjoyed with much deep, pious feeling. 
For his early religious impressions he is greatly indebted to the influ- 
ence of his truly pious mother. 

As he advanced in years, he became more deeply sensible of the 
responsible nature of the ministerial office, and of the great importance 
of a thorough Classical and Theological education to the successful 
discharge of its duties. Hence he contrived various methods to secure 
that which was so much the object of his heart's desire. He entered 
the Preparatory Department of Jefferson College, Cannonsburg, Pa., 
in the fall of 1829, in the twentieth year of his age. 

After spending a year in the Preparatory Department, Mr. Fisher 
entered college, and graduated in September, 1834, in a class of thirty- 
four members, among whom were more than the usual number of 
excellent scholars. During his college vacations, he made frequent 
journeys on foot. The fall vacation of six weeks, in 1832, was in this 
way appropriated to a journey of eight hundred miles, in which was 
included the distance from Philadelphia and return. During the 
greater portion of his college course, he also traveled every Sunday 
sixteen miles on foot, superintending two Sunday Schools, and listening 
to two sermons in the summer, and one in the winter. 

The fall after graduating, he entered the Theological .Seminary at 
York, Pa., then presided over by the Rev. Dr. Lewis Mayer, with 
whom was associated the Rev. Dr. F. A. Rauch, and passed through 
the prescribed course in the institution, which, at that time, covered a 
period of two years. 

In September, 1836, Mr. Fisher was licensed to preach the Gospel 
by the Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States, and 
having accepted a call to the Emmittsburg charge, Frederick county, 
Maryland, he was ordained to the work of the ministry and installed 
pastor of the charge, by a committee of Synod, on the 19th of October, 
1836. In this charge he laboured with varied success until the close 
of the year 1839. During the first year he preached to six congrega- 
tions. Subsequent to that time, the number was reduced to four. In 
performing his duties, he traveled over a large extent of country, and 
engaged in a great variety of active operations. The result of his 
labours was a large accession to the congregations under his care. 

On the first of January, 1840, he became connected with the Publica- 
tion Office of the Reformed Church, which had just been established in 
Chambersburg. On the first of April, he removed with his family to 
Chambersburg, and became associated with Rev. Dr. B. S. Schneck, in 



, r , MEN OF MARK. 



the (editorship of the " Reformed Church Messenger." At about this 
point in his history, the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred 
upon him by Marshall College. From that time to the present day, 
Dr. Fisher has been connected with the publication interests of the 
church, having had the special management of them since 1845, ^^d 
also editing the " Messenger," at intervals in connection with another, 
but during the greater portion of the time alone. In 1840, he became 
the Stated Clerk of the Reformed Church in the United States, and has 
continued in this relation until the present time. 

Besides several sermons preached on special occasions, Dr. Fisher 
has prepared and published, the following works: "The Rum Plague," 
a temperance stor)', translated from the German of Zschokhe; "Heidel- 
berg Catechism Simplified;" "Exercises on the Heidelberg Catechism;" 
and " The Family Assistant." The latter three of these works indicate 
marked ability in their authorship. They have had, and still have an 
extensive circulation. 

Dr. Fisher has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Ellen 
C. May, eldest daughter of Daniel May, Esq., of York, Pa., to whom 
he was married on the fifth of April, 1837. The fruit of this marriage 
was one son and one daughter, the former of whom is engaged in the 
work of the ministry. The first Mrs. Fisher died in Chambersburg, on 
the 26th of January, 1842, in the twenty-sixth year of her age. On the 
5th of December, 1843, he was married to his present wife, Mrs. 
Naomi Kerns, widow of Abraham Kerns, of Bedford, Pa. The second 
marriage has been without issue. 

Dr. Fisher now resides in Philadelphia, the Publication Office with 
whieh he is connected having been removed to that city, after the 
burning of Chambersburg during the War of the Rebellion. Though 
his life has been one of earnest labour, he still retains remarkable 
vigour, and, in his diligence and persistence in the work to which he is 
called, is an example of fidelity and efficiency. He continues to wield 
great influence in the church which he loves, and by which he has ever 
been highly esteemed. His ripe scholarship, characteristic sincerity 
and honesty, long experience, genial spirit, and singleness of purpose, 
have won him a position of prominence and power, which, no one can 
doubt, he occupies with a solemn sense of his corresponding responsi- 
bility. Catholic in spirit, he is also popular with other denominations 
than his own, and leaves the impression wherever he is known, that all 
his varied talents are consecrated to the fiill and final triumph of 
Christianity. 





^^^r^^^^L^i^/ /n .p^c 



JOHN HOLMES AGNEW, D. D. 




HE REV. JOHN HOLMES AGNEW was born in Gettys- 
burg, Pa., May 9th, 1804. Of his father, who subsequently 
removed to Harrisburg, and whose fame as a physician reached 
far beyond the range of his practice, a slcetch is given elsewhere in 
this volume. Young Holmes's teacher at Harrisburg, writes, " He was 
a good boy, of good abilities, and learned well and rapidly." He 
graduated at Dickinson College, under the presidency of the dis- 
tinguished Dr. John Mason, and taught the grammar school in Carlisle 
for some time after leaving the college. 

Mr. Agnew pursued his theological studies in the seminary at 
Princeton, and was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Presbytery 
oi Carlisle, April iith, 1827. Having received and accepted a call to 
the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church in Uniontown, Pa, he was 
dismissed to the Presbytery of Redstone, October 29th, 1827. He was 
married to Miss Sarah Emeline Taylor, of Newark, N. J., April i8th, 
1829. On account of a nervous affection which always seized him 
severely after preaching, and from which he never could get relief 
during his life, he had to abandon in a great measure the duties of the 
pulpit, and consequently resigned his pastoral relation to the church at 
Uniontown, after discharging its duties for a short time as efficiently 
and acceptably as his failing health would permit. A. W. Boyd, Esq., 
of that place, in a letter, says, " I find those who were members of the 
church during Mr. Agnew's pastorate, remember him with a great deal 
of pleasure. All say he was greatly beloved by the people, was an 
excellent pastor, and a very instructive and interesting preacher, a 
man of deep piety, and it was felt to be a great calamity to the church 
when he left." 

After relinquishing pastoral work, Mr. Agnew was elected Professor 
of Languages in Washington College, Pa., January 12th, 1831. This 
position he resigned September 26th, 1832, on account of inadequacy 
of salar)-. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him 
by this institution in 1852. The Rev. George P. Hays, D. D., its 
present President, in wridng to a friend, says : " He is spoken of here 
by those who knew him, as a gendeman of very high scholarship and 
excellent ability as a teacher. He probably made as much reputation 
in the short time he was here as any man who was ever connected 



^r. MEN OF MARK. 

with the college, in an equal length of time. His departure from the 
college was deeply regretted by both the Faculty and the Trustees." 

After leaving Washington, which he did on account of inadequacy oi 
salary. Prof. Agnew became connected with the German Reformed 
Institution in York, Pa. He was then elected a Professor in Marion 
Colleoe, Missouri, where he remained until the institution was dis- 
solved, and subsequently he was chosen to a similar position in 
Newark Colleofc, Delaware, from which he withdrew, as did some 
other professors also, because the funds for the institudon were raised 
by lottery. Next he became editor of the Eclectic Magazine, and the 
Biblical Repertory, a quarterly in the interest of the (then) New 
School Branch of the Presbyterian Church, with which he was 
connected. 

After having had charge of a Female Seminary in Philadelphia for 
a few years. Dr. Agnew became Professor of the Ancient Languages, 
in the University of Michigan, in 1S45, retiring from this position, in 
which he established his reputation as a thorough scholar, in 1852. He 
then selected as his field of labour and usefulness, Maplewood Female 
Seminary, Pittsfield, Mass. In reference to this portion of his history, 
the Rev. C. V. Spear, A. M., present Principal of that institution, thus 
writes : 

" Professor Agnew became a partner and co-principal in the conduct 
of this .Seminary some time during the Academic year of 1852-3. The 
school was enjoying a very good degree of success when he became 
connected with it, and remained one of the prominent institutions of 
the state while he was its sole Principal, as it has since. Its >iaiiu\ now 
and for all the years since he was here, was given by him. He was 
very highly esteemed by the pupils and patrons of the school, as a 
man of rare geniality and elegance of manners in social life, and 
thorough scholarship and cultivated taste — eminently fitted in many 
respects for his post here and its multiform duties, and lacking only in 
health, and a certain financial sharpness too often incompatible with 
the highest culture and intellectual ability. He possessed, in a rare 
degree, that high hopefulness which is o necessary to the commence- 
ment and die prosecution of any undertaking that is at all difiicult and 
worthy of high ambidon ; and with adequate support would, but for 
failing health, have condnued his work here much lono-er without 
doubt. His pupils, and the teachers and professors in the school, 
were very warnilv attached to him, and amone other reasons, for the 
unlailing kindness, forbearance and urbanity, that characterized all his 
intercourse with diem. I need not say, what no doubt many voices will 



JOHN HOLMES AG NEW. D. D. 35:^ 

utter, that while many men in posts of honour are feared, and others 
respected, he was a man to be both honoured and loved. I recall, as 
I write, the presentation of a beautiful vase of silver — I think the gift of 
the teachers and professors — as a testimonial of their high esteem and 
affection for him, at the Summer Anniversary of 1856. The sincere 
warmth of the devotion then expressed was no transient feeling, and 
his retiring a year later was deeply regretted by many friends." 

It may here be added that all Dr. Agnew's friends earnestly wished 
that he had retained his position at Pittsfield. After abandoning it, 
which he did, no doubt, from a desire to make himself more able to do 
good, and from other influences, he was induced, through his too great 
readiness to trust in his fellow-men, to engage in some speculations, 
from which, however, he would, in all probability, have come out safely 
but for disasters which overtook them by reason of the war, and 
made them issue in total loss. 

In addition to the literary labours of Dr. Agnew, to which we have 
already referred, he was also editor of The Knickerbocker : the author 
of a small and valuable work on "The Sabbath," from the press of 
the Presbyterian Board of Publication ; and assisted in the translation 
of Winer's Grammar of the New Testament. Whilst, too, occupying 
positions of mere literary responsibility, we find him using his graceful 
pen in efforts to do good in the religious sphere. During his Profes- 
sorship at Newark, he contributed an excellent sermon to the National 
Preacher, on " Motives and Means of Peace to the Churches." 

Dr. Agnew died of bilious fever, at Peeksville, N. Y., October 12th, 
1865. His character is thus succinctly delineated by one who knew 
him thoroughly : " He was generous, benevolent, social, genial, gen- 
tlemanly, scholarly." 




JAMES ROSS SNOWDEN, LL. D. 

AMES ROSS SNOWDEN, lawyer, statesman and author, 
comes from one of the oldest families in Pennsylvania. 
Althoufrh born in Chester, Delaware county, Pa., he was, as 
the sequel of this sketch shows, in early life identified with Cumberland 
valley, by descent, residence and education, and thus appropriately 
finds a place in this work. 

His o-reat grandfather, [ohn Snowden, emigrated from Great Britain 
at some time previous to the year 1678, and first fixed his residence in 
Delaware county. In 1685, he removed to Philadelphia. Being a 
man of education he was employed in various public offices. In 1704, 
he was an elder of the ancient Presbyterian Fiist Church, in Market 
street, and was the first Presbyterian elder ordained in Pennsylvania. 
His son, Isaac Snowden, born in Philadelphia, in 1732, was an active 
and useful citizen, a member of the City Councils before the Revolution, 
a County Commissioner during tlie Revolution, and a Commissary 
for supplying the army. After the close of the War of Independence, 
he was elected Treasurer of the city and county of Philadelphia, which 
office he retained for several years, and was subsequently a member of 
the Select Councils of Philadelphiaa, Trustee of the College of New 
Jersey, (Princeton,) an elder in the Second Presbyterian Church, and 
a member of the committee of which I )r. Witherspoon was chairman 
which formed the Consdtution and Form of Government of the 
Presbyterian Church, in 1786. Pour of his sons were graduates of 
Princeton College and entered the ministry ; among these was Rev. 
Nathaniel Randolph .Snowden, who was born in Philacielphia, in 1770, 
and graduated in 1787. He studied divinity under Rev. Charles 
Nisbet, D. D., at Carlisle, and there married a daughter of Dr. Lemuel 
(iustine, an eminent physician of that town. They had five sons and 
one daughter. Pour ot the sons became Doctors of Medicine, viz: 
Isaac W. Snowden, Charles G. Snowden, Lemuel G. Snowden, and 
Nathaniel D. .Snowden. The daughter, Mary Parker, was married 
to James Thompson, the late Chief Justice of Pennsylvania. The 
youngest son, the subject of this notice, was educated chiefiy under 
tlie tuition ot his father, who, for some years had charge of Dickinson 
College brl(M-e it passed into the hands of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 



JAMES ROSS SNOVVDEN, LL. D. 357 

Choosing the bar for his profession, James Ross Snowden was 
admitted ex gratia at the early age of nineteen, and having talcen 
up his residence at Frankhn, Venango county, he was appointed 
Deputy Attorney General. Subsequently, and for several years, he 
was elected to the Legislature of the state ; and was Speaker of the 
House of Representatives in 1842, and again in 1844. In 1845, he was 
elected State Treasurer, and re-elected in 1846. In 1847, he was 
appointed by President Polk Treasurer of the Mint, and Assistant 
Treasurer of the United States. In 1850, he returned to the bar, and 
fi.xing his residence at Pittsburgh, was appointed Solicitor of the Penn- 
sylvania Railroad Company, which position he resigned to accept the 
office of Director of the Mint, in 1853, which office he held until 1861, 
when he was appointed Prothonotary of the Supreme Court of Penn- 
sylvania. In 1873, he resumed the practice of his profession in Phila- 
delphia. During these active duties Mr. Snowden has also been 
connected with many scientific, literary and historical societies ; and 
being an elder in the Presbyterian Church, has taken an active part in 
the various courts of that denomination. 

Among the many works of which Mr. Snowden is the author, are 
the followino-; Ancient and Modern Coins; Medals of Washington 
and National Medals. Both these works are illustrated with fac 
simile engravings ; the latter also contains biographical notices of the 
Directors of the Mint from 1792 to 1861. The Coins and Money 
Terms of the Bible ; the Corn-Planter Memorial, and Sketch of the Six 
Nations of Indians. 

In 1868, he contributed to Bouvier's Law Dictionary the articles on 
the Coins of the United States and Foreign Nations. He has also at 
different times published addresses, pamphlets on currency, on inter- 
national coinage, history, and other subjects. He early took an interest 
in military affairs and was elected colonel of a volunteer regiment in 
1842. He presided at the State Military Convention of 1845, ^"^ 
wrote the memorial which produced a needed reform in that branch 
of the service. Although always a Democrat, he supported the War 
lor the Union, and being in command at Philadelphia of a volunteer 
regiment he twice offered it for service in the field ; but it was not 
accepted by the Government. In 1845, he received the degree of 
Master of Arts from Jefferson College. In 1872, Washington and 
Jefferson College conferred on him the honorary degree of Doctor 
ot Laws. 

During Colonel Snowden's administration of the Mint, many im- 
provements were made, prominent among which was the re-construc- 
2;i 



-eg M^^ OF MARK. 

tioii of the Mint building, so as to render it fire-proof. A beautiful 
medal commemorates this event. On the obverse is the bust of the 
Director, with the inscription, " Presented to James Ross Snowden, 
Director of the Mint, by his personal friends, as a mark of their regard 
for him as an officer, and their esteem for him as a citizen." Beneath 
the bust is the date, 1859. On the reverse, \k\&r& is a representation 
of the Mint edifice, with the legend, "The Mint of the United States 
of America, built 1832 ; rendered fire-proof 1856." Colonel Snowden 
married, in 1848, Susan Engle, second daughter of General Patterson, 
of Philadelphia. 



JOHN MICHAEL KREBS, D. D. 



HE son of William and Ann (Adamson) Krebs, was born in 
Hagerstown, Md., May 6th, 1804. He was religiously edu- 
cated. His father was a member of the German Reformed 
Church, and his mother after her marriage became one, though she 
had previously been an Episcopalian. He received the best education 
the town afforded till he was between fourteen and fifteen. In this 
time he gave some litde attention to the classics, though his attention 
was chiefly directed to English studies. His father, who was a man of 
great energy, integrity and respectability, was a merchant, and also 
held the office of postmaster, and at the age above mentioned this son 
became a clerk in the post office, at the same time rendering some 
service in his father's store, which had meanwhile been given up chiefly 
to his brother. 

In 1 82 1, the year before his father's death, his thoughts were 
intensely directed toward serious things, and after his father's death 
his impressions became deeper and stronger, and after many and 
severe struggles, of which those around him knew nothing, his mind 
gradually came to repose in the gracious provisions of the Gospel, and 
at the age of nearly nineteen, he joined the church under the pastoral 
care of the Rev. John Lind. He now formed a purpose to devote 
himself to the ministry. After studying under Mr. Lind's direction for 
some months, he entered an academy in his native town, and in Febru- 
ary, 1825, entered Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa. He graduated in 
-September, 1827, under the Rev. Dr. William Neill, receiving one of 
the hig-hest honours of his class. 

He then began his theological studies under the Rev. George 
Duffield, D. D. Three or four months after this a vacancy having 
occurred in the grammar school attached to the college, he was 
appointed to fill it, and here he continued in the business of instruction 
for two years, at the same time improving his leisure in the prosecution 
of his theological studies. 

At the end of two years from the time he was graduated (October, 
1829,) he was licensed by Carlisle Presbytery. During the winter and 
spring after he was licensed, he preached by appointment of the 
Presbytery to various congregations in the neighbourhood. In May, 
1830, he set his face toward Princeton, N. J., to pursue further theolo- 



?6o 



MEN OF MARK. 



$>-ical .studies in the Seminary. He received and accepted a call to 
Rutgers Street Church, New York, and was installed November 12th, 
1830, havint;- been ordained the week previous at Lancaster, Fa., by 
Carlisle Presbytery. This was his only charge. 

Dr. Krebs was a man of rare gifts and of still more rare and varied 
acquirements, being learned not only in theology but in the whole 
range of sciences, and his learning was all made to bear upon the work 
to which he had devoted his life, that of the Cospel ministry. He was 
eminent as a preacher of the Gospel, and still more eminent in the 
councils of the church, being distinguished for his knowledge of 
ecclesiastical law, and his acquaintance with the ecclesiastical history of 
the denomination to which he belonoed. He was reg^arded as one of 
the highest living authorities in regard to Presbyterian usages. 

In 1837, he was appointed Permanent Clerk of the General Assem- 
bly, and retained the office till 1845. He had resigned it the year 
previous, but his resignation was not accepted. In 1843, '""^ ^^^ 
Moderator of the General Assembh' of the Presbyterian Church. He 
was elected Clerk of the Presbytery and Synod of New York, in 1841, 
and Director of the Theological Seminary at Princeton, N. J., in 1842, 
and was appointed President of the Board in 1866. He was a member 
of the Board ot Foreign Missions from its organization till his death. 
His published works consist of about a dozen occasional sermons, 
which arc marked by great energy, perspicuity and precision. 

In 1866, Dr. Krebs was a member of the General Assembly at St. 
Louis, Mo., and was appointed Chairman of the Committee on the 
Reunion of the Presbyterian Church. Of this measure he was an 
earnest supporter, though his decline in health, which had previously 
commenced, prevented his active participation in the preparation of the 
plan of union in the successful consummation of which he was deeply 
interested. 

He died at his residence in New York, September 30th, 1867. He 
was twice married; first, on October 7th, 1830, to Miss Sarah Harris 
Holmes, a daughter of Andrew Holmes, of Carlisle, Pa. They had 
two children. She died February 20th, 1837. His second wife was 
Miss Ellen Dewitt Chambers, daughter of John Chambers, of New- 
burg, N. Y. She died in 1863. Several children survive him. 



REV. JOHN H. KENNEDY. 




[KV. JOHN H. KENNEDY was descended from a very respect- 
able and pious ancestry. James Kennedy, his grandfather, 
emigrated from Ireland, and setded first in New Jersey, and 
afterwards in Pequea, Lancaster county, Pa., where some of the family 
still reside. Rev. Robert Kennedy, the father of the subject of this 
sketch, who is elsewhere noticed in this volume, was for many years 
in the ministry, and sustained a very high standing among his brethren 
for talents, learning and respectability. 

John Herron, Esq., the maternal grandfather, who was the father of 
Francis Herron, D. D., lived and died on " Herron's Branch," Franklin 
county. At the house of this venerated grandfather, John H. Kennedy 
was born, November nth, 1801. His mother (Jane Herron) was, in 
the mysterious providence of God, removed by death when John, her 
eldest son, was eighteen months old. After the death of his mother, 
he lived in his grandfather's family until his fifth year. During 
this period his health was very delicate, and little hope was enter- 
tained that he should attain to manhood. His recollections of his 
grandfather, and his residence in his family, were of the most pleasing 
kind. It was, he remarks, his " Vale of Tempe," and the time spent 
there, his "Saturnalia." About the close of his fifth year he was taken 
home by his father, who had married a second wife. He was early 
sent to school, but was not so fond of study as of play, and especially 
such sports as required vigorous exertion. These, though often 
exposing him to danger, and sometimes to injury, contributed to that 
remarkable health which he enjoyed until the last year of his life. In 
his ninth or tenth year, he commenced the Latin grammar with his 
father, under whose instruction he studied the Latin and Greek 
Languages. He was afterwards connected with the Academy in 
Cumberland, Maryland, of which his father, on his removal from Welsh 
Run, had taken charge, being at the same time pastor of a congrega- 
tion in that place. In November, 1818, he became a student of 
Jefferson College, Cannonsburg, Pa. During his whole collegiate 
course he sustained a high standing as to talents and scholarship, and 
graduated with honour. May, 1820. 

Mr. Kennedy spent the summer oi 1820 at his father's, in general 
reading, and in efforts to do good, as he had opportunity. In October 



^(52 ^^P-N OF MARK. 

of that year he entered the Theological Semuiary at Princeton, where 
he studied the regular term of three years. To this period he always 
reverted with endearing recollections. He commenced his theological 
studies with diligence and success, and was soon distinguished by his 
talents and acquirements. During the fall vacation of 1821, he was 
taken under the care of the Presbytery of Carlisle. During the winter 
or spring of this year, he visited Morristown, New Jersey, at the 
request of Mr. McDowell, pastor of the church there, a powerful revival 
of reliction having commenced, which pervaded the whole country. In 
October, 1822, he was licensed to preach the Gospel — aged twenty 
years and ten months. Deeply impressed with the responsibilities of 
the work to which Ik; was to be devoted, he set apart a da)- for 
fasting and prayer, a duty which he often practised in the succeeding 
years of his life. After his licensure to preach the Gospel, he con- 
tinued his studies another year at Princeton. During this year, the 
doctrines denominated Hopkinsian were frequently the subject of 
warm discussions in the .Seminary. In these discussions he took an 
active and decided part in opposition to what he believed erroneous in 
these doctrines. A debate prepared at that time on the subject of the 
atonement, was afterwards published in the first volume of the Christian 
Advocate. Its admission into that periodical by the venerable editor. 
Dr. Green, is no slight evidence of its intrinsic ability and excellence, 
though written by one who had just arrived at the years of manhood. 

Leaving the Seminary in the fall of 1S23, Mr. Kennedy itinerated in 
different directions about eighteen months. He preached for some 
time in Bedford and Uniontown, Pa., and traveled through some of 
the Western .States. He traveled also to the South, and preached for 
some time at Wilmington and Fayetteville, North Carolina. In April, 
1825, he again arrived at his father's, who had now returned to his 
former residence in Franklin county. In the summer he visited Phila- 
delphia, preached in the .Sixth Church as a supply for three months 
received a call from that congregation, and was ordained and installed 
as their pastor, November, 1825, in the twenty-fourth year of his age. 

Previously to his setdement in this church he had been appointed 
chaplain, to go out in the Brandywine, the Government vessel, 
appointed to carry Lafayette back to his native land. This appoint- 
ment was by some means prevented from reaching him until after his 
installation. I lad he received it sooner it might have given a new 
direction to the current of his life. 

His setdement in Philadelphia was unsought, as it was unexpected, 
by himself. The station was one of great importance and responsi- 



REV. JOHN H. KENNEDY. 363 

bility, for so young a man. The Sixth Church grew out of a division 
of the Old Pine Street Church, of which Dr. Alexander had been 
pastor when called to Princeton. On the settlement of Dr. Ely this 
division took place, and the Sixth Church was formed. It contained 
a large portion of intelligence, piety and respectability, but its location 
in the vicinity of other churches, and certain pecuniary embarrass- 
ments, were unfavourable to its growth. It had become vacant by 
the resignation of Dr. Neill, who had accepted a call to the Presidency 
of Dickinson College. After labouring a year in this congregation, 
and discouraged at his prospect of usefulness, he determined to resign 
his charge. The Presbytery met, and with the concurrent desire of 
the congregation, persuaded him to remain. His intention was at this 
time to have gone to Liberia, and he often expressed his regret that he 
yielded to the advice to remain in Philadelphia, having then, as he 
remarked, "had a burning zeal in behalf of Africa, such as he never 
felt in behalf of any other object." In 1828, he was married to Miss 
Harriet McCalmont, of Philadelphia, whose intelligence, piety, and 
accomplished education, qualified her eminently for being to him a 
prudent counsellor and cheering companion. In December, 1829, at 
his own request, his connection with the Sixth Church, which had con- 
tinued for four years, was dissolved. During this period he discharged 
the duties of his office with ability and faithfulness. The visible fruits 
of his ministry were not equal to his desires, and hence his frequent 
discouragements, which resulted in his resignation, yet his labours 
were blessed to the edification of Christians, and a goodly number 
added to the Church. The charge of a congregation in a city is one 
of great responsibility and hazard, especially to a young man, yet was 
Mr. Kennedy enabled to sustain a high and increasing reputation 
among his brethren, and the intelligent part of the religious community, 
as an able, lucid, and instructive preacher of the Gospel. It is known 
that he stood very high in the estimation of his venerable patron and 
friend. Dr. Green, who occupied a pew in his church, and sat with 
delight under the ministry of his young friend. 

After Mr. Kennedy's connection with his congregation was dissolved 
he committed himself to the providence of God, without any definite 
object or plan as to future settlement. He was urged to make a tour 
to Missouri, with a view of settlement at St. Charles, and accordingly 
left Philadelphia with that intention. The severity of the season 
prevented him, and he was detained in Franklin county. A call was 
prepared for him from the congregation of Newville, one of the largest 
and wealthiest in Carlisle Presbytery. At this crisis, being uncertain 



(3 . MEN OF MARK. 

and anxious as to the path of duty, he set apart, as was his frccpient 
custom, a day of fasting and prayer, to seek Divine direction. It was 
the nth of March, 1830. It is worthy of observation that on the 
evening of this same day, altogether unexpected to him, he received a 
letter from Cannonsburg, inquiring as to his views in relation to a 
Professorship in Jefferson College, in connection with the charge of a 
small congregation, about five miles distant from that town. 

He was at first starded at the proposal of a Professorship of 
Mathematics, for which he considered himself less qualified than for 
any other department. On further consideration, with the hope that 
by diligent e.xertion he might be prepared for the service, he inclined 
to accept. He visited the place in May ; received and accepted the 
appointment from the college, and the call from the congregation of 
Centre. He returned to Philadelphia, and arrived in Cannonsburg 
with his family, and entered on the duties of his profession, June, 1830. 

Professor Miller, in view of whose resignation, on account of age, 
the appointment was made, still continued to officiate for some time' 
This afforded opportunity for Mr. Kennedy gradually to prepare him- 
self for conducting the departments of Natural Philosophy and Mathe- 
matics, which he was enabled to do with great credit to himself, and to 
the entire satisfaction of all concerned. After the division of the 
departments of Natural Science and Mathematics, and the appoint- 
ment of a distinct Professor for the latter, he devoted himself more 
exclusively to Natural Philosophy and Chemistry, in which he greatly 
excelled. 

In a sermon on the death of Professor Kennedy, preached in the 
College Chapel, by the Rev. Matthew Brown, D. D., President of the 
institution, December 27th, 1840, he says: 

"As an iustntclor, Mr. Kennedy was thorough, discriminating, 
accurate and lucid in his illustrations. As a member of the Faculty he 
was energetic, fearless, and always ready to share the responsibility of 
a disciplined government. As a pycaclwr, he was instructive, solemn, 
searching and forcible. As a pastor he was laborious and faithful. 
As a 7vritcr he was characteristically lucid, simple and concise. 
"Muitnm in pari'o" appeared to be his motto in all his productions. 
He wrote with great facility, and furnished for " the periodicals," a 
number of essays, which do him great credit. His talents were various^ 
and in some respects of a high order. He had more of the intellectual 
than the a:sthetic — more of argumentation than poetry in his composi- 
tion — more of the instructive than the pathetic. 

He was a man of great benevolence ■a.wS. liberality. This feature of 



RF.]'. JOHN H. KENNEDY. 365 

his character was not generally understood. In his wordly transactions 
he was exact, but when proper objects of benevolence were presented, 
no man in the community in which he lived was more liberal, according 
to his means. Besides the public contributions, in which he was 
always among the first, he performed many acts of private liberality 
unknown to the world. " 

Considered as a Christian, "the highest style of man," \'\\'i soul-search- 
ing experience, his conscientiousness and stern integrity, his self-denial, 
his steadfast faith on the righteousness of Christ, his abhorrence of sin, 
his desires and endeavours after holiness, and his habitual aim to 
glorify God, gave "lucid proof" of sincere piety while he lived, which 
was confirmed in his death. 

His health began seriously to decline in the winter of 1839-40. A 
journey to the east during the summer proved unprofitable, and he 
returned home to die in the bosom of his family. He looked forward 
to the hour of his death without dread. .Still he clung to life, and 
although with regard to himself he had no fears, and could say, " to be 
with Christ is better," yet when he looked around on his wife and little 
children, and the prospect of leaving them exposed and unprotected in 
such a world as this, he greatly desired to live. At length, however, 
he was enabled, with sweet acquiescence, to commit the precious 
charge to Him who said, " Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve 
them, and let thy widows trust in me." 

His old enemy did not fail to assail him in his weak state, and when 
near the close of life, with do7ibts as to the foundation of his hope. 
These, however, were soon dispelled, and he afterwards enjoyed unin- 
terrupted calmness to the last. A few days before his release he 
spoke of his departure with great composure and confidence. When 
the weather permitted, he was usually taken out in a carriage. On 
returning, a day or two before his death, he said that that was his last 
ride; in his next remove he "would be carried by angels into Abraham's 
bosom." On the 15th of December, in the thirty-ninth year of his 
age, he died without a struggle, and " sweetly fell asleep in Jesus." 
His wife and two children yet survive. One of them, the Rev. Robert 
P. Kennedy, is Pastor of the Red Clay Presbyterian Church, near 
Brandywine Springs, Delaware. With him his mother and sister 
reside. 



CONWAY PHELPS WING, D. D., 

ELONGS to a family which is traceable through five generations 
to the settlement of the first of the name, in 1632, at Lynn, 
but more permanently at Sandwich, Massachusetts. 

His father was born in Conway, in that state, but after his marriage 
removed to a settlement on the Muskingum, twelve miles above 
Marietta, Ohio. There the subject of this sketch was born, February 
I 2th, 1809, but when he was four years of age his father removed to 
Phelps, Ontario county. New York, and there remained until 1833, 
when he died, aged sixty-five, much respected ; and for many years an 
elder in the Presbyterian Church. 

After two years of preparatory instruction there, in an Academy at 
Geneva, N. Y., young Wing entered the Sophomore class in Hamil- 
ton College, where he graduated with a respectable standing in 1828. 
He then entered Auburn Theological Seminary, where he graduated 
in 1 83 1. He was immediately called to settle at Lodus, Wayne 
county, where he laboured as a licentiate during the previous spring 
vacation. He was ordained and installed by the Presbytery of Seneca 
September 27th, 1832, and retained the pastoral relation four years 
with success. 

In the early part of 1836, Mr. Wing received and accepted a call to 
a Congregational Church in Ogden, twelve miles west of Rochester, 
N. Y.. which, however, immediately became and has ever since con- 
tinued Presbyterian. He remained there four years, with but litde 
diminution of his labours, and with large accessions to his church. 

In the autumn of 1838, he removed to the city of Monroe, Michigan, 
where many of his relatives resided, and he was for more than three 
years pastor of the Presbyterian Church there. The long continuance 
of severe labour now began to tell upon his health, and he was obliged 
to seek its restoration by a voyage to the island of Santa Cruz, West 
Indies. After a few months' residence there, he removed with his 
family to Tennessee, (October, 1841.) Six months were spent at 
Pulaski, Giles count)', and at Columbia, in Maury county, in that state, 
preaching however to Presbyterian churches in those places. In hope 
that his health was now sufficiently restored to endure at least the 
climate of the middle states, he ventured (May, 1843,) to return north. 

At the urgent call of a church in Huntsville, Alabama, Mr. Wing 



CONWAY PHELPS WING. D. D. ^67 

was induced to forego his preference of a northern residence, and to 
return after six months to that beautiful town. Though informing that 
people that he was conscientiously opposed to slavery, should do all he 
wisely could to oppose it, and could never own or even hire a slave, 
they persevered in calling him and in sustaining him. His own people 
unanimously and heartily upheld him in his course to the very last, in 
opposition to perpetual threatenings and secret combinations on the 
part of men in the political world and in the other denominations. 
And when he expressed to them his conscientious conviction that he 
could no longer remain the pastor of a slave-holding church, every 
effort was made by his congregation to retain him. A call from the 
First Presbyterian Church, Carlisle, Pa., reached him just as he had 
made up his mind that he could no longer continue a pastorate where 
public sentiment would not permit Sessions to call to account those 
slaveholders who offended against the laws of humanity. He reached 
Carlisle, April 28th, 1848, and was installed in the fall of the same 
year. 

Since his residence in Carlisle, Dr. Wing's congregation has enjoyed 
a high degree of prosperity, a number of interesting revivals have 
taken place in it, and he has deservedly had the reputation of great 
fidelity to his duties and marked earnestness and ability as a preacher. 
Besides performing the ordinary work of a large pastoral charo-e, he, 
for one year, (1849,) at the request of the Faculty and students of 
Dickinson College, supplied the place made vacant by the transfer of 
Professor Allen to the Presidency of Girard College, and has con- 
stantly been occupied with works in Theological literature. In 
1856, in connection with Professor Blumenthal, he published a transla- 
tion of " Hare's Manual of Ecclesiastical History," in the composition 
of which he bore a principal part. Among his other publications are 
articles in the Presbyterian Quarterly Review, the chief of which were 
two on Abelard, two on the " Historical Development of the Doctrine 
of the Atonement," one on " The Permanent in Christianity," one on 
" Miracles and the Order of Nature," in the Methodist Quarterly. He 
was also the writer of two elaborate articles on " Federal Theolooy," 
and " Gnostics and Gnosticism," in McClintock's and Strong's Cyclo- 
paedia, and in 1868, he translated with large additions Dr. C. F. Klino-'s 
Commentary on Second Corinthians, for Dr. Schaff's American edition 
of Lange's Commentary. 

Dr. Wing was especially active in efforts for the Reunion of the 
Presbyterian Church, being a member of the National Convention in 
1867, and of the Assemblies in New York and Pittsburgh when the 



3 68 .l/A'iV OF MARK. 

churches united. He was also a member of the joint Committee of 
Reconstruction for the re-organization of the Synods and Presbyteries. 
He received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Dickinson 
College, in 1857. He continued in the midst of his usefulness, re- 
spected and beloved by those who knew him, as an earnest Christian, 
a cultivated and genial gentleman, an accomplished scholar, a graceful 
writer, and an able, instructive and impressive expounder of Divine 
truth, until October, 1875, when he resigned his charge. 




''=*Z!aj^,„^;MW>»'- 





COL. THOMAS A. SCOTT. 

HIS gentleman was born at Loudon, Franklin county, Pennsyl- 
vania, December 28th, 1823, and received his education at 
the village school of that place. When ten years of age he 
went to work in a country store, near Waynesboro', and was afterward 
employed in Bridgeport and Mercersburg until about 1841. At this 
period he removed to Columbia, Pennsylvania, and entered the office of 
the Collector of Tolls of the State Roads and Canals. His connection 
with state improvements continued until 1851, in which year he was 
appointed to a position on the Pennsylvania Railroad. He was first 
stationed at the Junction, near Hollidaysburg, and was placed in 
charge of the business of the Company passing over the Portage 
road, and the Western Division of the State Canal. As the various 
portions of the Western Division were connected, their operation was 
assigned to him, and so satisfactory were his arrangements that on the 
completion of this Division he was made Superintendent, with an office 
at Pittsburgh, hi 185S, further promotion was accorded him, and he 
was appointed General Superintendent of the road from Philadelphia 
to Pittsburgh, his headquarters being at Altoona. 

In i860, on the death of W. B. Foster, Vice-President of the 
Company, Colonel Scott was elected to succeed him. Subsequent 
elections raised him to the position of First Vice-President, his great 
ability, ceaseless activity, and rigid integrity having rendered incal- 
culable service to the powerful corporation which he serves. En- 
grossed in his railway business. Colonel Scott has never allowed 
himself to be distracted from his legitimate pursuits by the allurements 
of political ambition, but when during the war the services of an 
experienced railroad man became an imperative need for the service 
of the country, he was too patriotic to shirk the responsibility, and 
therefore, with the weight of his other engagements upon his shoulders, 
he. In 1861, directed the construction of the road from Annapolis which 
did much to aid the troops and contributed largely to the protection of 
the Capital. In the fall of that year, the need of such services becom- 
ing more and more exigent, he was appointed Assistant Secretary of 
War, and continued so until 1862, when he returned to Philadelphia. 
He was ao-ain called on, however, after the battle of Chlckamaug-a, 
and dispatched to Louisville to aid in the movement of the iith and 



270 MEN OF MARK. 

and 1 2th corps, via Nashville, to the relief of Rosecranz at Chatta- 
nooga. This operation was so successfully performed that, in a few 
days, the army of the Tennessee was reinforced sufficiently to be able 
to compel the full retreat of the enemy. 

Returning with undiminished vigour to his usual duties, Col. Scott at 
once resumed his active supervision of the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 
1 87 1, rival routes to St. Louis and Chicago having been brought under 
the same management, it was deemed expedient, for the simple and 
eftective working of the lines west of Pittsburgh, that a separate 
company should be chartered, and this was accomplished by charter 
from the State Legislature of Pennsylvania on March ist, 1871, Col. 
Scott becoming President of this company, viz : Pennsylvania Company. 
On the death of J. Edgar Thomson, Col. Scott was unanimously elected 
President of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company by its Board of 
Directors, and at the annual election by the stockholders held in March, 
1875, he was again unanimously elected President and still holds that 
position. The prosperity of the great corporation with which Col. 
Scott is identified, has been shared with the state, the name of which it 
bears ; local interests have advanced, and the general interests of the 
state and people have been largely benefited. 

The giant labours of Col. .Scott would be impossible to any one not 
possessing his peculiar temperament and sound physique. In manner 
he is genial, and possessing in a remarkable degree the art of refusing 
gracefully, both he and the numerous applicants for favours avoid the 
annoyances which are so worrying and wearing to many public men. 
By habit he is so peculiarly rapid in his disposition of business that 
"Col. Scott's style" has almost grown into a byword in certain quarters, 
and yet this rapidity is never allowed to degenerate into hastiness ; 
it is the result of observation, memory, and an especial faculty for 
cutting mental Gordian knots without injuring the rope of which they 
are tied, a gift of great value and rarity. The result of such a temper- 
ament, and such habits, is, that extreme pressure of business does not 
weary excessively ; on leaving his office, Col. Scott feels that his work 
is done pro tcni., and its cares are left in his portfolio. Another effect 
is that while he never regrets the unalterable, he is constantly devising 
new methods of conserving and advantaging the interests confided to 
him— a work which would be impossible to a man burthened by cares 
and regrets. 




REV. MATTHEW SIMPSON CULBERTSON, 

|HE son of Joseph and Frances (Stuart) Culbertson, was born 
in Chambersburg, January i8th, 1819. He was a quick, 
intelligent boy ; his mother had dedicated him to God, and she 
looked forward to his becoming not only a minister but a missionary. 
He was educated at the United States Military Academy at West 
Point, New York, after serving a full course of years, and whilst 
serving as a Lieutenant of Artillery, he made a profession of religion, 
and soon after laid down the sword and took up the cross. 

He entered the Seminary at Princeton, N. J., where he graduated in 
1844. He was licensed by the Presbytery of Carlisle, in 1844, and 
soon after ordained by the same Presbytery as a Foreign Missionary 
to China. Previous to his sailing he married Miss Mary Dunlap, of 
New York State. His career as a missionary was marked by extra- 
ordinary devotion and ability. In the midst of his labours he was 
taken with cholera, and after a short illness died in August, 1862. 
His widow and three children survive. 

Among the fellow-students of Mr. Culbertson at the national military 
school, were Halleck and McDowell, Magruder and Beauregard, all 
of whom afterwards wore the insignia of Major-Generals, and bore a 
leading part in the most momentous war in the annals of modern 
history. In the progress of his course he was appointed drill officer, 
with the title of Captain, and also served for a time as Professor 
of Mathematics. When two cadets were chosen to be sent to France, 
at the Government's expense, to complete their education in the school 
which produced a Bonaparte, Culbertson was the first selected, and 
obtained the suffrages of all the electors. At the West Point Academy 
he earned for himself the beatitude of the peacemaker. Engaged to 
act as second for the afterwards famous Magruder, in an affair of 
honour, he adjusted the difliculty, and prevented a probably fatal 
encounter. 

While at Princeton, according to the testimony of his venerable 
instructor. Dr. Hodge, he was regarded as among the foremost mem- 
bers of the institution, and when, at the close of his three years' 
curriculum, he, with three others of his class, embarked for a foreign 
mission, another of the Professors (Dr. J. W. Alexander,) singled him 
out, and wrote of him in these terms : " One of the four, Culbertson, 



,„^ MEN OF MARK. 

was an army officer, and highly honoured at West Point — chosen to 
ijo on some mihtary mission to France." 

The Rev. W. A. P. Martin, D. 1)., of the same mission with Mr. 
Culbertson, in liis funeral sermon, preached at Shanghai, China, 
August 31st, 1862, says: 

" Of the excellencies of his character I need offer no delineation ; they 
are attested, with one voice, by all the Protestant missionaries, of all 
ecclesiastical connections in the community. 'Our devoted brother,' 
they say, in a paper adopted a few days after his death, ' was a man of 
a meek and quiet spirit, and remarkable for his singleness of aim and 
straightforward energy and industry in his Master's service ; he 
resigned a commission in the armies of his country, to become a 
missionary to the heathen. He set before himself the highest ends, 
anel strove, both by preaching and e.xample, to glorify God in the 
salvation of his fellow-men. 

'•'He laboured, in connection with the late Dr. Bridgeman, for 
several years, with assiduity and perseverance, in preparing a revised 
translation of the sacred Scriptures in the Chinese language, a labour 
of love which he regarded as the great work of his life, and it was a 
source of especial consolation to him, just before his departure, that 
God had enabled him to complete it. He also wrote a work, entided, 
" Darkness in the Flowery Land." We recognize in these traits of 
character, and this Christian life, the devoted missionary, whose 
example is worthy of our imitation.' 

" Happy the grave which is crowned with such a tribute ! There is 
but one eulogium which a good man may covet more earnestly, and 
that is the ' Well done, good and faithful,' pronounced by his Lord and 
Saviour. This blissful welcome has no doubt greeted those ears, which 
are now deaf to the voice ot human applause." 




JAMES DUNLOP, ESQ. 

HE name of James Dunlop has spread widely dirough the Com- 
monwealth, as that of one ot her most eminent legal sons. 
Like so many of the notable men of the valley, he boasted 
pure Scotch-Irish blood. He was born in Chambersburg, in i 795 ; his 
father was Andrew Dunlop, Esq., a very able attorney of that place, 
his mother was Sarah Bella Chambers, a highly accomplished and 
admirable woman, a daughter of General James Chambers, who 
figured in the Revolutionary army, and served as Colonel at the battle 
of Brandywine, and a granddaughter of Benjamin Chambers, the 
sturdy founder of Chambersburg. His paternal grandfather, Colonel 
Dunlop, also participated in that memorable engagement. 

Mr. Dunlop received his classical education at Dickinson College, 
Carlisle, graduating in 181 2. Judge Grier, of the United .States 
Supreme Court, Rev. John Knox, of the Dutch Reformed Church, of 
New York, and Calvin Blythe were his class-mates at college ; the first 
named his room-mate and special friend. His legal studies were 
pursued in the office of his father; and he was admitted to the bar in 
181 7, at the same time with the late lamented Paul 1. Hetich, Esq. 
Although he soon acquired a large business and an extensive reputa- 
tion as a lawyer, he was not content with the awards which his pro- 
fession brought him, and he engaged also in the manufacturing of 
cutlery with his brother-in-law, George A. Madeira, establishing the 
celebrated Lemnos Edge Tool Factory, so long known under the firm 
name of Dunlop & Madeira. 

But realizing that his special vocation was the law, he entered on a 
wider field of practice, and in the fall of 1S38, moved to Pittsburgh, and 
speedily won a leading position at its bar. In 1855, he left Pittsburgh, 
and took up his residence in Philadelphia. When on a visit to his 
class-mate, Charles F". Mayer, Esq., at Baltimore, he was stricken with 
paralysis, and died in that city on the 9th of April, 1856. His remains 
were taken to Pittsburgh, and interred in the Allegheny Cemetery. 

Mr. Dunlop was a member of the State Senate from Franklin 
county, about 1825, and was subsequently twice a member of the 
Lower House. In 1838, he was a member of the Convention which 
reformed die Constitution of the State, when, it is said, "he distinguished 
himself for the learning and ability displayed in debate." He was the 
24 



,-. MEN OF MARK. 

,1/4 

compiler of DunloiVs I )i!4est ot the i.aws of Pennsylvania, and of a 
Dio-est of the Laws of the United States, works which have given him 
a lasting- fame. In 1825, he read at a meeting of the Council of the 
Historical Society of Pennsylvania an elaborate article on the contro- 
versy between William Penn and Lord Baltimore, respecting the 
boundaries of Pennsylvania and Maryland, which was of such merit as 
to be published in full in the " Memoirs of the Historical Society of 
Pennsylvania, \'ol. I.," in which may be found a brief sketch of his 
life. 

Before the removal, by President Jackson, of the deposits from the 
United States Bank, he was an active supporter of the Democratic 
party ; but after that event, he shook oft his partisan allegiance and 
became a formidable champion of the opposition, making a remarkable 
speech against General [ackson, which caused a great sensation at the 
time. 

Mr. Dunlop was noted for his forensic power, great legal attain- 
ments, literary accomplishments, droll humour, and caustic, pungent wit. 
As a writer, he was exceptionally ready, and as an opponent exceed- 
ingly formidable. One who knew him intimately writes that he was a 
man ol courteous manners, amiable and considerate, a tireless student, 
possessing unbounded knowledge, which he was always ready to 
impart: and unostentatiously benevolent. 

He was violently opposed to slavery, both politically and for 
humanity's sake ; often helping the trembling fugitive on his flight to 
Canada. He was known to purchase a slave to save him from a life 
of bondage. 

Great as was his eminence as a lawyer, thorough and exhaustless 
his Classical and Belles Lettres accomplishments, fluent and graceful his 
]n.'n, mirth-provoking his humor, and scathing his wit, the human love 
which made him the protector of the oppressed, gives him a dearer 
and more blessed fame than all the equalities of his genius. 




THOMAS VERNER MOORE, D. ' D. 

IHOMAS VERNER MOORE was born in Newville, February 
1st, 1818. Having received his academic education in his 
native village, he entered Hanover College in 1834, and 
afterwards became a student at Dickinson College, at which institu- 
tion he graduated with honours in 1838. 

For a short time after leaving college, he was in the service ot the 
Pennsylvania Colonization Society as traveling agent. His theological 
studies were commenced at Princeton, New Jersey, in 1859. 

Mr. Moore was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Presbytery of 
Carlisle. In June, 1842, he was married to .Sarah, daughter of the 
Rev. Dr. Blythe, of Hanover, Indiana. In the spring of this year he 
was installed as pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church, Carlisle. 
In this charge he laboured with much acceptableness and success. 
In the autumn of 1845 he was chosen pastor of the church at Green- 
castle, where he was attractive as a preacher and useful as a pastor. 
During his residence at this place, he was called to mourn the death 
of his wife. His relation to this congregation was dissolved in 1847, 
with a view to his acceptance of a call to the First Presbyterian Church 
of Richmond, Virginia. His pastorate in that city was a great success. 

" There," says Dr. Rice, " he made full proof of his ministry ; there he 
realized the idea of a Christian pastor : there he accomplished a great 
and blessed work worth living for. 

"As a preacher he was uniformly elegant and attractive, persuasive 
and instructive, always earnest and solemn, often overwhelming in 
power. His discourses were perspicuous in thought and e.xpression. 
His style was finished and elegant, bright with the flashes ot a 
chastened imagination, and glowing with the fervour ot a sincere 
piety. The hearer was ordinarily reminded of the beautitul, peaceful 
landscape, bathed in the pure white light of heaven, yet reflecting the 
fresh tints of the springtime, or the varied hues of autumn ; but at 
times, when the occasion demanded, he seemed to hear the rush of 
mighty waters, as, with a resistless torrent of eloquence, sin, and 
especially all baseness, were swept away to merited shame and ruin. 
Yet he oftener loved to bear the soul away to the blissful scenes where 

' .Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood 
Stand dressed in living green,' — 



_g MEN OF MARK. 

where the palace of our Father stands on higli, with its many mansions ; 
where the multitudes of the blessed sit down to the marriage supper of 

the Lamb<" 

Dr. Rice also says, in relation to Dr. Moore's authorship : " Here, 
in Richmond, amid the arduous labours of his pastorate, he redeemed 
the time to employ his elegant and vigorous pen for the instruction of 
the church at large, and future generations of Christians. Here he 
wrote and published his Commentary on the Prophecies of Haggai, 
Zechariah and Malachi — 'The Prophets of the Restoration '—which has 
taken its assured place among the standard works of Biblical interpre- 
tation. For accuracy and extent of learning, and for clearness of in- 
sight into the meaning of the Prophets, it will compare favourably with 
the works of the ablest commentators. Before committing this work 
to the press, he had the pleasure of receiving the hearty commen- 
dation and highly prized counsel of his greatly admired preceptor, the 
late Rev. I. Addison Alexander. It was in connection with the publi- 
cation of this work that the acquaintance and friendship of years deep- 
ened into the closest and tenderest intimacy, which was ended, only 
for a brief space, by the death of that wonderful man. 

" Here, too, he published his popular exposition of ' The Last Words 
of Jesus,' — a work for which he possessed rare qualifications. Also, 
the little tract entided 'The Culdee Church,' which has afforded so 
much delight and such confirmation of faith to so many readers. 

"Also, his two lectures on the ' Evidences of Christianity,' before the 
University of Virginia, in addition to various excellent articles tor 
several religious and theological Reviews and Magazines, with a num- 
ber of occasional sermons. Here, too, in connection with his lifelong 
colleague, the Rev. Dr. Moses D. Hoge, he engaged in the difficult 
task of editing, for several years, the Central Presbyterian. Also, in 
association with Dr. Hoge, he bore his part in projecting and con- 
ducting the Rielimond Eclectic Magazine, which promised excellent 
fruits for the literature of the .South, and whose merging into another 
periodical was greatly regretted by the friends of elegant literature 
and graceful culture." 

])uring his residence in Richmond, Dr. Moore married Matilda, 
daughter of Mr. Henry Gwathmey, an elder of his church. When 
h(; left that city, it was to become Pastor of the First Presbyterian 
Church, in Nashville, Tenn., where, a few years previously, he had pre- 
sided over the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (South.) 
His term of service in this field of labour was short, being scarcely 
three y('ars in duration, part of which he was absent, by the earnest 



THOMAS VERNER MOORE, D. D. -77 

and affectionate desire of his people, seeking the recovery of health 
and strength in more genial climes and under brighter winter skies. 
He died, August 5th, 1871, leaving six children. Yet, though his 
pastorate was brief it was effective. " If disabled, in the providence of 
God, from working himself," says one of his co-Presbyters; "he did 
better, he succeeded in causing his congregation to work. He was 
enabled to infuse into the loved and loving people of his charge some- 
thing of his own earnest spirit, and to impart something of the wisely 
regulated method with which he did his own work. If the impulse 
which he gave to the Christian activity of his people, and of his 
brethren of this Presbytery, can only be carried onward, no man can 
estimate the value of his short and painful sojourn among us." 



m 



DAVID N. RANKIN, M. D. 

TMBERLAND VALLEY is well represented in all the pro- 
fessions, and by no means least notably in the medical. 

Dr. David Nevin Rankin, was born in Shippensburg, Pa., 
October 27th, 1834. He was the second son of William Rankin, 
M. D., and Caroline (Nevin) Rankin, eldest daughter of Major David 
Nevin. of that place. 

His academical education was received at Newville. At the age of 
seventeen he commenced the study of medicine with his father, and 
graduated at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1854. After 
graduation, he practised his profession in partnership with his father in 
Shippensburg, until the breaking out of the Rebellion. Whilst 
engaged in a very extensive and laborious practice, he contracted a 
cold, which produced several attacks of hemorrhage of the lungs, and 
threatened serious results. This impaired physical condition pre- 
vented his entering the regular army, as Assistant .Surgeon. He 
received, however, an appointment under .Surgeon General Finley^ 
United .States Army, as acting Assistant Surgeon, I'nited States Army. 
Whilst occupying this position, he aided in opening some of the largest 
United .States Army hospitals during the war, among which were the 
" Mansion House Hospital," at Ale.xandria, \'a.. and " Douglass Hos- 
pital," Washington, D. C. He was afterwards placed in charge of 
Epiphany and Thirteenth .Street Hospitals, in the same city, and later 
was stationed at Pittsburgh United States Army Hospital. 

In 1863, during the height of the Rebellion, Dr. Rankin was selected 
by .Surgeon General James King, of Pennsylvania, as one ot thirty 
surgeons appointed from various parts of the .State, to render aid to 
the wounded immediately after battle. This corps of surgeons was 
called the "Volunteer Aid Corps of Surgeons of Pennsylvania," and, 
as may be seen by reference to Surgeon General King's printed official 
reports to Governor Curtin, the members of this corps rendered very 
efficient and valuable services. 

After the war Dr. Rankin located in Allegheny City, where a few 
years before, he had married Kate, daughter of Henry Irwin, Esq., 
and he has succeeded in building up a large and lucrative practice. 
During his residence there, he has filled some very prominent positions, 
such as Medical Examiner for United .States Pensions, Physician to the 



DAVID N. RANKIN, M. D. 379 

Western Penitentiary of Pennsylvania, Medical Referee for the .'Etna 
Life Insurance Company, and Vice-President of the Society of Natural 
Sciences of Western Pennsylvania. He is also a permanent member 
of the Medical Society of Pennsylvania, and a member of the Alle- 
gheny County Medical Society, as well as the author of the reports of 
numerous interestinof medical and surorical cases. 

Dr. Rankin is yet in the prime of life. His standing as a physician 
is excellent. His career thus far has been successful in every respect, 
and his prosperous past betokens for him a promising and useful 
future. 




HON. EDWARD McPHERSON. 

nWARl) McPHERSON is a descendant, in the fourth genera- 
tion, of Robert and Janet McPherson, who setded on Marsli 

^* creel<, Adams county, (then Yorl^,) about the year 1735. 

His oreat iTrandfather, Col. Robert McPherson, was an active and 
influential citizen, and filled many important positions, among- which 
may be mentioned. Treasurer of York county, in 1755, and again in 
1767: Commissioner, in 1736: Sheriff, in 1762; and Assemblyman, in 
1765-67, and I 78 1 -84. He was also a member, from York county, of 
the Provincial Conference of Committees, which met in Carpenters' 
Hall, Philadelphia, June 18th, 1776; and was also a member of the 
Constitutional Convention which met July 15th, 1776, and formed the 
first Constitution of the State of Pennsylvania. He was also a Captain 
in General P'orbes' expedition to reduce Fort I)u Ouesne, in 1758. 
He died in 1789. His grandfather. Captain William McPherson, 
served honourably in the Revolutionary War, having been attached in 
1776 to Miles' Rifle Regiment, and was captured by the enemy at the 
battle of Long Island. On his return, he discharged many public 
trusts. He died in 1832. 

He is the youngest son of John B. and Catharine McPherson, the 
former of whom was, for forty-five years. Cashier of the Bank of 
Gettysburg, and who died in January, 1858. He was born in Gettys- 
burg, July 31st, 1830, and was educated in the Public -Schools of that 
town, and at Pennsylvania College, located in Gettysburg, graduating 
in 1S48, at the youthful age of eighteen, with the \'aledictory of his 
class. He early developed a taste for politics and journalism, but at 
the request of his father began the study of the law with Hon. 
Thaddeus Stevens, in Lancaster. But his health failincr. he abandoned 

o 

it ; and for several winters was employed in Harrisburg as a reporter 
of Legislative proceedings, and a correspondent for the Philadelphia 
North .hnerican, and other newspapers. In the campaign of 1851, he 
edited, in the interest of the Whig party, the Harrisburg Daily 
Anicritau, and in the fall of tliat year he took charge of the Lancaster 
Independent ^\'hti:,\ which he edited till January, 1854. In the spring 
of 1853, he started the hiland Daily, the first daily paper published in 
Lancaster. His health proved unequal to these labours, and he relin- 



HON. EDWARD MrPHERSON. -Si 

quished them, as stated. Except for brief periods, he has not had 
since, active connection with the press. 

His first important pubhc service was the preparation of a series of 
letters, ten in number, which were printed in the Philadelphia Bulletin, 
in 1857, and afterwards in pamphlet form, to prove the soundness of 
the financial policy which demanded the sale, by the State, of its Main 
Line of Public Improvements. These letters analyzed the reports of 
the Canal Commissioners for a series of years, proved the falsity of the 
conclusions drawn from them, and demonstrated the folly of continued 
state ownership and management. These letters were never answered, 
and they formed the text from which were drawn the arguments in 
favour of the sale, which was accomplished in 1S58. The next year he 
prepared a like series on the sale of the branches of the canals, which 
had a like reception. Both these were published anonymously, but 
were signed "Adams," after his native county. In 1856, he published 
an address on the " Growth of Individualism," delivered before the 
Alumni of his Alma Mater, in 1858, one on "The Christian Principle; 
Its Influence upon Government:" and in 1859, one on "The Family in 
its Relations to the State," both of which were delivered before the 
Young Men's Christian Association of Gettysburg. In 1863, he de- 
livered an address before the Literary Societies of Dickinson Colleee, 
on the subject, " Know Thyself; Personally and Nationally Considered." 

In 1858, Mr. McPherson was elected to the Thirty-Sixth Congress 
from the Sixteenth District of Pennsylvania, embracing the counties of 
Adams, Franklin, P\ilton, Bedford, and Juniata. In i860, he was 
re-elected. In 1862, he was defeated, in the political re-action of that 
date, the district having been meanwhile changed by the substitution of 
Somerset county for Juniata. 

Upon the completion of his Congressional term of service. President 
Lincoln, upon Secretary Chase's recommendation, appointed Mr. 
McPherson Deputy Commissioner of Internal Revenue, April, 1863, in 
which position he served till December, 1863, when he was chosen 
Clerk of the House of Representatives, Thirty-Eighth Congress, which 
office he has continued to hold, during the Thirty-Ninth, Fortieth, Forty- 
First, Forty-Second, and Forty-Third Congresses, being the longest con- 
tinuous service in that post, from the beginning of the Government. 

During his service in Congress, his principal speeches were as 
follows : " Disorganization and Disunion," February 24, i860, in review 
of the two months' contest over the election of a Speaker in the Thirty- 
Sixth Congress; "The Disunion Conspiracy," January 23, 1S61, in 
examination of the secession movement and the arguments made in 



^,S2 J//t-V OF MARK. 

justification of it; "The Rebellion: our Relations and Duties," Feb- 
ruary 14, 1862, in general discussion of the war; "The Administration 
of Abraham Lincoln, and its Assailants," June 5, 1862. 

Durino- his incumbency of the clerkship, he has published " A 
Political History of the United States during the Rebellion," extending 
from the Presidential election of i860, to April 12, 1865, the date of 
Lincoln's death ; " A Political History of the United States during the 
Period of Reconstruction," extending from 1865 to 1870; a "Hand 
Book of Politics for 1872 ;" and a " Hand Book of Polidcs for 1874." 
These volumes are a compilation of the political record of men and 
parties during this eventful period, and have received a high place in 
the confidence of all parties, for completeness, fairness, and accuracy. 

During the summer and fall of 1861, he served as a volunteer aid on 
the staff of General McCall, commanding the Pennsylvania Reserves, 
with a view to study the organization and wants of the army, and to fit 
himself tor intelligent legislative action on those subjects. In the 
Thirty-Seventh Congress, he was a member of the Military Committee 
of the House, and took an active part in legislation respecting the 
army. He also served as chairman of the Committee on the Library, 
and as a Regent of the Smithsonian Institute. In 1867, the degree of 
LL. D., was conferred upon him by Pennsylvania College. 

Mr. McPherson was married November 12, 1862, to Miss Annie D. 
Crawford, daughter of John S. Crawford, Esq., of Gettysburg, and 
granddaughter, on her father's side, of Dr. William Crawford, a nadve 
of .Scotland, who setded near Gettysburg about the year 1800, and 
who for eight years represented that district in Congress, and on her 
mother's side, of Rev. Dr. William Paxton, who for nearly fifty years 
served with distinguished ability the Marsh Creek Presbyterian Church, 
They have five children, four sons and one daughter. 




nr/a^^iLLrli 




HENRY HARBAUGH, D. D. 

|EAR the base of the South Mountain, which bounds Cumber- 
land valley on the southeast, in the southern extremity of 
Franklin county, Pennsylvania, within a few hundred yards of 
" Mason and Dixon's line," and in sight ot one of the crown capped 
milestones which mark that line, is located a large stone farm house, 
and in its immediate vicinity a large bank barn, such as are usually 
found on the farms of the thrifty Germans of Pennsylvania. In this 
farm house the subject of this brief sketch was born, on the 28th of 
October, A. D., 181 7. His parents were George Harbaugh, and Anna, 
his wife. 

His paternal and maternal ancestors were among the early German 
emigrants, who settled in eastern Pennsylvania. He accordingly was 
a direct descendant from original Pennsylvania Germans, of which fact 
he made great account, and which also did much to give cast to his 
character and habits of life, and mould his thoughts and predilections. 

In his early infancy Henry was baptized by the Rev. Frederick A. 
Scholl, then pastor ot the Reformed Church, at Waynesboro, Pa., at 
which place his lather's family worshiped. He was trained up under 
religious influences, after the manner for which many of the Pennsyl- 
vania German forefathers were distinguished. His earliest years were 
spent with his father on the farm, amidst its beautiful surrounding- 
scenery, which, as all scenery is educational, left its impress on his 
young mind, as was abundantly evinced in his subsequent life. He 
also worked some time at the carpenter and millwright trade. His 
early education was only such as could be acquired at the country 
schools, as they existed at that time. 

When he reached the years of maturity, he felt it to be his duty to 
devote himself to the work of the Christian ministry. With this view 
he repaired to Mercersburg, in 1840, and entered Marshall College, and 
subsequently the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church in 
the United States, which were then located at that place. 

In the fall of 1843, ^^ was licensed by the Synod of the Reformed 
Church in the United States, which convened' in Winchester, \lro-inia 
and was soon thereafter ordained to the work of the ministry, and 
installed as pastor of the Lewisburg charge, in Union county, Penn- 
sylvania, by the .Susquehanna Classis. In this field he laboured until 



-,f<^ MEN OF MARK. 

1850, when he accepted a call from the I'irst Reformed Church, 
Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His pastorate in Lancaster continued during 
a period of ten years. In 1S60, he was called to the pastorate of the 
St. fohn's Reformed Church, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, which had been 
recendy organized in that place. In October, 1863, he was chosen 
Professor of Didactic and Pracdcal Theology in the Theological Semi- 
nary, at Mercersburg, by the Synod which met in Carlisle, Pennsyl- 
vania, and soon thereafter entered upon the duties of the professorship, 
in which he continued undl his death. 

l)r. Harbaugh was no ordinary man, whether viewed socially or 
intellectually. He was a most genial companion. He enjoyed society 
and generally formed the centre of attraction in it. He possessed a 
rare fund of pleasing, original anecdotes, which he related with a 
peculiar zest, and infused life and cheer into all around him. He was 
ardent in his feelings and warm in his attachments. His friends also 
were bound to him by the strongest ties. 

As a theologian, Dr. Harbaugh was strikingly prominent. He 
had made himself fully acquainted with the most difficult theological 
problems of the day. The person and work of Christ especially 
engaged his most earnest attention, and the results of his investiga- 
tions are everywhere apparent in the more profound productions of 
his pen. His inaugural address on " Christological Theology " is a 
masterly production of its kind. It evinces how deeply and earnestly 
his heart was enlisted in the vital points of the Christian system. As a 
teacher ot theology, he always maintained a living sympathy with his 
students. His peculiar talent for popularizing even the most abstruse 
subjects made his lectures specially acceptable to them. They seemed 
eagerly to imbibe the very feelings, as well as thoughts of their 
professor. 

Among other productions of his pen were, "The Sainted Dead," 
"Heavenly Recognition," "Heavenly Home," "The Life of Michael 
Schladter," "The Lives of the Fathers of the Reformed Church in 
America," " The Lord's Portion," " The Harbaugh Annals," " The 
P)irtls of the Bible," "Union with the Church," " Harbaug-h's Poems," 
&c. He edited for many years the iiuardian. and the Child's T>-easHry. 

Dr. Harbaugh was twice married. His first wife was Miss Louisa 
C.oodrich, of the vicinity of New Hagerstown, Ohio, and a sister of the 
Rev. William Coodrich, of Clearspring, Md. His second wife was 
Miss Mary Louisa Linn, daughter of James F. Linn, Esq., of Lewis- 
burg, Pa., who survives liim. He had two children h\ his first 



HENRY HARBAUGH, D. D. 385 

marriage, one of whom, a daughter, survives him, and ten by his last 
marriage, six of whom, four sons and two daughters, also survive him. 
His constitution was vigorous and his general health good, until 
near the close of his Hfe. The illness which ended in his death, was 
protracted and severe. He died in Mercersburg, Pa., on the 28th of 
December, 1867, at the age of fifty years and two months. His death 
was deeply lamented by thousands, and especially by the church, in 
whose Seminary he was Professor. His remains were interred, attended 
with appropriate solemnities, in the yard in front of the Reformed 
Church, in Mercersburg, on the last day of December. A fitting- 
monument, erected to his memory a few years afterwards, by the 
Synod of the Reformed Church of the United States, marks their 
resting place. 




HON. JAMES X. McLANAHAN. 

HI". HON. JAMKS XAVIKR McLANAHAN was a descendant 
of the Scotch-Irish stock which figured so prominently in the 
early history of the Cumberland valley, and contributed so 
many strong men to the Commonwealth. 

The McLanahans of Franklin county, for several generations, have 
been a large, wealthy and influential connection. 

James McLanahan, grandfather of James X., settled when )Oung in 
the country near Green Castle, at a section called " the Marsh," irom 
its topographical peculiarities. His son William inherited the "paternal 
acres," and lived and died there respected by his neighbours. William 
married a daughter of Andrew Gregg, a statesman of distinction in the 
annals of Pennsylvania, who represented the state in the United States 
Senate, 1807-1 8 13, and was the Federal candidate for Governor in 
1823. Andrew Gregg was the grandfather of ex-Governor Andrew 
Gregg Curtin. 

James X. McLanahan was a son of William, and was born on the 
ancestral estate in the year 1809. 

At a proper age, young McLanahan entered the Hagerstown school, 
and afterwards Dickinson College, where he graduated with honor in 
1826. Resolving from his early youth to make the law his proiession, 
immediately after graduating he commenced his legal education in the 
office of Andrew Carothers, an eminent member of the Pennsylvania 
bar, residing at Carlisle. Removing shortly afterwards to Chambers- 
Ijurg, Mr. McLanahan completed his studies in the ottice of the Hon. 
George Chambers, afterwards fudge of the Supreme Court ot Penn- 
sylvania. 

Mr. McLanahan's well known intellectual powers, and his warm and 
generous nature, at once drew arountl him troops of friends, and he 
was soon offered a position in the political part)' to which he avowetl 
his attachment. This, however, he declined, determining to devote his 
e.xclusive attention to the practice of his profession. It may be well 
to pause here in our brief narrative, to admire the wise ancl prudent 
course pursued by the young lawyer in this particular. Too many of 
our young professional men have ruined their prospects in life by 
entering too early into the batde and the strife of politics. Flattered 
by the attentions of men of high position, their company courted by the 



HON. JAMES X. McLANAHAN. 387 

throng, the duties of their profession become irksome to them. They 
rebel against its stern demands. Mistaking the deceit of the poHtician 
for the truth of friendship, they offer themselves perhaps as candidates 
for the legislature, and are elected. Their minds not )et matured, 
lacking discretion, they serve their term with no credit to themselves 
nor benefit to their constituents, and are trampled upon by the next 
new comer. Then awakening from their stupor, they behold others, 
their inferiors in intellect, iar on the road to wealth and distinction ; 
and thus drooping with disappointment, they die in dissipation, or live 
pensioners on their respective parties. 

Mr. McLanahan, by strict attention to his business, was soon in the 
enjoyment of a lucrative practice. Scarcely a case of any importance 
occurred in his county, after he came to the bar, in which he was not 
engaged. 

In 1 841, in Pennsylvania, the waves of political excitement ran 
mountain high. Both parties strained every nerve to secure the 
State. 

At the preceding session of the Legislature, the Senatorial District in 
which McLanahan lived, had been formed with the avowed intention of 
preventing the election of any one of the political party to which he 
was attached. In opposition to his personal feelings, he was nominated 
for the State Senate, and in despite of every effort to the contrary, was 
elected by a large majority, running far ahead of his ticket. From the 
time he entered the Senate he became a prominent member and the 
leader of his party in that body. His profound research, depth of 
thought, and elegance of diction, soon placed him amid the foremost 
men of Pennsylvania. He served his Senatorial term of three years, 
and declined a re-election. In 1843, Mr. McLanahan was married to 
an accomplished daughter of Mr. James McBride, a wealthy merchant 
and estimable gendeman, of New York city. 

He continued at the bar until 1848, when he was elected to Con- 
gress. Shordy after taking his seat as a Representative, he was 
unexpectedly and involuntarily drawn into a discussion, and delivered 
himself of a speech that riveted the attention of the House, and won 
the applause of the country. His closing appeal in behalf of the Union 
was most elocjuent, and deservedly found a place in several of our 
American class-books. 

Mr. McLanahan was re-elected to Congress in the fall of 1850, not- 
withstanding a most bitter opposition. At the commencement of tiie 
session his name was favourably mentioned as a candidate for the 
.Speakership. This he very becomingly declined. He was, however, 
placed at the head of the Judiciary Committee. The duties of this 



,gg MEN OF MARK. 

responsible position he filled with marked ability. He projected 
several important reforms in that department of the Government, 
which met with the concurrence of the House and the nation. 

Mr. McLanahan's fine personal figure, joined to a voice of great 
compass and power, and a countenance strongly marked with feeling 
as well as thought, gave him advantages as an orator which not many 
public men in this country possess. To say that he cultivated the rare 
intellectual gifts which nature endowed him with up to the fullest 
extent of their capacity, would be to make an assertion which nothing 
but the blindest friendship could excuse. A scholar he was, and a ripe 
one, too, but he was not a learned man in the common acceptation of 
the phrase. He early dropped the speculative sciences, and gave his 
mind only to those practical pursuits which in a country like ours are 
so much more useful. His quick perceptions made him a man of true 
sagacity ; his ardent temperament, (we might say his strong passions,) 
gave uncommon energy to his character, and his clear reason purified 
his tastes, and made his judgment, though certainly not infallible, yet 
in the main altogether reliable. 

But the strong hold he had on the affections of his constituents and 
his friends, is better accounted for by his attractive, social and moral 
qualities. The unselfish and generous impulses of his nature did not 
permit him to serve any one by halves, and yet his opponents never 
had cause to complain that his demeanor towards them was wanting 
either in justice or in courtesy. Sincerity, that first ol virtues, was the 
characteristic trait of his mind. His whole conduct was full ot trans- 
parent truthfulness. His speeches were marked with a sort of daring 
plainness. Concealment of his opinions, whatever might be the effect 
of their utterances upon himself or others, seemed with him to be out 
of the question. It could be said of him : 

His heart's his mouth. 
What his breast forges, that his tongue must vent. 
He would not flatter Neptune for hi*; trident. 
Or Jove for liis i)o\ver to thunder. 

Mr. McLanahan retired into private life, residirig in New York city, 
where he had many warm personal friends. He resisted there all 
inducements to enter political office, preferring the quiet enjoyment ol 
the family circle to the excitement of the arena of politics. He died 
December i6th, i86i, sustained by Christian hope. His wife, and only 
son, reside in the city just named. Though dying in the prime of his 
life, he had already earned the title of an able lawyer, an incorruptible 
public servant, and an honest man. Of such a character it is fit that 
the dignity should be vindicated and the value made known. 




HON. GEORGE SANDERSON, 

S a native of Cumberland county, and was born in Dickinson 
township, about seven miles southwest of Carlisle. His 
parents were in humble circumstances, and he lost his father 
when orily twelve years of age. His widowed mother, who was a 
woman of remarkable energy, managed to give him a common English 
education, which he afterwards improved by his own exertions and 
application to study. 

In his seventeenth year young Sanderson was apprenticed to the 
coopering business, but, on becoming free, the business being very 
dull, he was induced to commence teaching school, in which honorable 
employment he was remarkably successful, and continued to follow it in 
Shippensburg and vicinity until 1836, at which time he became editor 
and proprietor of the Carlisle Volunteer, the recognized organ of the 
Democracy of Cumberland county, and continued to publish it for a 
period of nine years. 

From 1839 to 1842, Mr. Sanderson was Prothonotary of Cumberland 
county, having been first appointed by Governor Porter, and after- 
wards elected by the people. From 1845 to 1849, he held the office of 
Postmaster at Carlisle, having been appointed by President Polk. In 
1 849, at the earnest solicitation of James Buchanan, whose name was 
then beginning to loom up prominently for the Presidency, he removed 
to Lancaster and took charge of the Intelligencer, the long established 
and influential organ of the Democracy of that county, and continued 
to conduct the paper until 1864, a period of fifteen years. 

In February, 1859, he was elected Mayor of the city of Lancaster, 
and so satisfactorily did he discharge the responsible duties ot the 
position, that he was re-elected for nine consecutive terms, and retired 
from the office in October, 1869, having been at the head of the municipal 
government for nearly eleven years, a much longer period than any of 
his predecessors who were elected by the people. Since he retired 
from the Mayoralty he has been engaged in the book and stationary 
business, and still continues to reside in Lancaster. In addition to the 
offices above mentioned, Mr. Sanderson held several minor positions of 
trust and responsibility in Cumberland and Lancaster counties, such 
as School Director, Assessor, Notary Public. &c., and was twice 
nominated as a candidate for the Legislature, but, owing to his party 



,„p, mi:n of mark. 

being in a minority, he failed of an election. In all the offices he held, 
he conducted himself to the entire satisfaction ol the public, and with a 
degree of popularity in each which few persons can command. 

In politics, Mr. Sanderson has always been a firm and unwavering- 
Democrat of the real Jackson stamp, neither turning to the right hand 
nor to the left, and has a record politically as well as morally above 
reproach. He has now nearly completed his three-score years and ten, 
but still retains, in a great degree, his vigour of mind and body, and, as 
a political writer or speaker, would not be unwilling to break a lance 
with any of his opponents. In person, he is somewhat above the 
middle height, erect and well proportioned, and bids fair to live for 
several years to come. 




JAMES I. BROWNSON, D. D., 

HE subject of this sketch, was born at Mercersburg, Pa., March 
14th, 181 7. His honoured and pious parents jointly repre- 
sented an ancestry which had shared in the settlement of the 
beautiful and historic Cumberland valley. To their son and them- 
selves, the Rev. David Elliott, D. D., LL. D., who was for a number 
of years Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Mercersburg, thus 
refers in a letter written to the First Presbyterian Church, Washing- 
ton, Pa., on the occasion of their Quarter Century Celebration, 
December, 1873 : "With your present Pastor I have been acquainted 
from his earliest childhood, for I baptised him, when he was an infant. 
His e.\cellent parents, Major John Brownson and his wife, were 
amongst my most intimate friends. The Major was a ruling elder in 
my first pastoral charge. He was a man of more than ordinary intelli- 
gence ; and from his having been in the army, and mingled largely 
with the world, he had acquired an experience of human nature in its 
various forms of practical development, which qualified him to be a 
valuable assistant in the administration of the government of the 
church." 

In his childhood, young Brownson was reduced by sickness to the 
borders of the grave, and for three months the question of his life was 
daily in doubt. At that time his father dedicated him upon his knees 
to God for the ministry, binding himself in a covenant which he ever 
afterwards held sacred. Its only two conditions were, the son's preser- 
vation and the Master's call. The parental heart which made that vow 
ceased to beat whilst the son was in the Senior class of college, but 
was unspeakably gladdened in death with the promise and process of 
its fulfilment. Mr. Brownson's union with the church by a profession 
of faith had preceded this bereavement by a few "years, during a 
powerful work of grace which had sealed the early ministry of his 
Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Thomas Creigh. 

Having completed his academical preparation at home, chiefly under 
the instruction of the Rev. Robert Kennedy, he was sent to the care 
of the friend of his parents already named, (Dr. Elliott,) then pastor 
of the Church at Washington, and in his sixteenth year entered the 
Freshman class of the college in that place, from which, in 1836, he was 
regularl)- graduated. After a year spent in the Bucks county Academy, 



MEN OF MARK. 

at Newtown, Pa., as a teacher of the Ancient Languages and Mathe- 
matics, he entered the Western Theological Seminary, in which Dr. 
Elliott had now become a Professor, as a student for the ministry. His 
licensure to preach, in 1840, by the Presbytery of Carlisle, was followed 
the next year by his installation as the Pastor of the United Congre- 
o-ations of Greensburg and Mount Pleasant, Pa., in the Presbytery of 
Redstone. In this charge he laboured with great acceptableness and 
success for eight years. 

A call was made out on the first Monday of December, 1848, by the 
Presbyterian Church of Washington, Pennsylvania, for Dr. Brownson's 
services as its pastor. This very important position was accepted by 
him with great diffidence of his ability to meet its demands. With a 
college on the one hand, and a female seminary on the other, the field 
was justly felt to be one involving a large responsibility, requiring 
special fitness for its cultivation. But the pastorate thus assumed, at 
once, as it has ever since, proved itself to be one of Divine consti- 
tution. 

One of the best evidences of Dr. Brownson's marked success in the 
charge which he has occupied for more than twenty-five years, was 
furnished at the celebration just mentioned. On that occasion, 
Thomas McKennan, M. D., in an address in behalf of the elders and 
deacons, said : — 

" Many whom I see around me, and many who have gone before, 
could bear testimony to the deep solicitude of our pastor in our behalf, 
and to the earnestness oi his public and private appeals that we would 
come to Christ. In this, indeed, he has been a true and faithful pastor. 
Need we speak of his clear and cogent arguments to convince our 
judgments in behalf of religion and a religious life ; of his gentle and 
tender ministrations at the bedside of sickness, and his still more 
tender ministrations in the houses of mourning and death; of his 
labours in behalf of every good enterprise ; of his deep concern in all 
proper and impyrtant projects (educational and otherwise) connected 
with"" the welfare of this community ; of his true, yet judicious, 
patriotism? All these are known and acknowledged by every one." 

Such testimony, in such circumstances, speaks for itself And whilst 
it is eminendy complimentary to Dr. Brownson, an important lesson 
which it teaches should not be overlooked, viz : That the pastors -a'ko 
make for themselves a large, and "cvann, and firm place in the hearts of 
their people, are those mho preach simply and plainly the pure (iospel. 

Dr. Brownson is above medium size, and of commanding personal 
appearance. He is of a genial disposition, and in his deportment 



JAMES I. BROWNSON, D. D. 30,3 

happily unites suavity and dignity of manner. By constitutional 
temperament he is conservative in spirit, and cautious in movement. 
His scholarly attainments are highly creditable. For a season, while 
the Presidency of Washington College was vacant, he very satis- 
factorily discharged the duties of the position. As a writer he is clear, 
logical and cogent. As a preacher he is instructive, forcible and 
impressive, always preparing his discourses with great care, and de- 
livering them with pathos and power. By his brethren of the ministry, 
to whom he is known, he is justly held in high esteem for his upright- 
ness, ability and usefulness. 




WILLIAM HENRY ALLEN, M. D., LL. D. 

niLLIAM HENRY ALLEN, M. D., LL. D., President ot Girard 
College, was born near the city of Augusta, Maine, March 
27th, 1808. 

He is the son of Jotham and Thankful Allen, and his paternal grand- 
father was a descendant of the Braintree branch of the Aliens of 
Massachusetts. His early life was spent at home on a farm until he 
entered the Wesleyan .Seminary, (Maine,) where he received his educa- 
tion preparatory to entering Bowdoin College, which he did at the age 
of twenty-one, graduating therefrom after a four year course. Im- 
mediately after leaving college, he was called to take charge of the 
Greek and Latin classes at the Oneida Conference .Seminary at 
Cazenovia, New York, where he remained for two and a half years ; 
when his worth and ability being appreciated by his own townspeople, 
he was invited to return to Augusta, and preside over the High School 
in that city. 

He remained in this latter locality, however, but six months, as he 
had been tendered the Professorship of Chemistry and Natural 
Philosophy at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, which he 
accepted. This chair he occupied for ten years, and was then trans- 
ferred to that of English Literature in the same institudon, which he 
filled for three years. Uuring much of the time he resided in Carlisle, 
he was a regular contributor to the Methodist Quarterly Review. He 
also wrote and delivered numerous addresses and lectures on educa- 
tional and general subjects. He has delivered lectures in several cities 
of the Union, among them Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore and Indian- 
apolis. In January, 1853, at the request of the municipal authorities of 
Philadelphia, he pronounced a Eulogy on America's greatest statesman, 
Daniel Webster. This eloquent and able discourse was highly 
esteemed by the public. It was published, and took rank with others 
delivered by prominent men throughout the country. 

In January, 1850, he was apj)ointed President of Girard College, 
succeeding Judge Jones, who had held the position from the opening 
of the institution two years previously. The Board of Directors found 
in him a gentleman whose education and superior administrative 
abilities admirably fitted him to become the executive of an institution 
of this peculiar character. His duties there were entirely different 








'^^-^ 



WILLIAM HENRY ALLEN, M. D., LL. D. 3^,5 

from those required in the same positions in other colleges. Here he 
was called on not only to organize and harmonize a staff of professors 
for the educational department of the college, but there devolved on 
him also the organization of w^hat may be termed a " household staff" 
of officers — ladies and gentlemen — whose duties were the care of pupils 
when not engaged in school. It was also his duty to officiate in all the 
religious and devotional exercises of the institution, as the will of 
Stephen Girard, the founder of the college, prohibited the admission of 
clergymen within its pale. No sectarian teachings were to be intro- 
duced, and the minds of the pupils were to be kept free from 
denominational bias, so that when they should leave the institution by 
reason of their advanced age and education, they could better choose 
the creed which they would adopt for the future. Thus it will be seen, 
that there devolved on him the supervision of the school, the home, and 
the moral training of about five hundred boys. It was a great task, 
when it is considered that they embraced those ranging from the 
tender age of eight years to the active and impulsive youth of seven- 
teen. How well and admirably he performed his manifold duties, how 
complete the satisfaction of the Directors, his long continuance in office 
testifies, and how well he has succeeded in gaining and keeping the 
respect and esteem of the numerous professors and officers of the 
institution is also proved by their many years of service under his 
administration. Last, but not least, the love and regard in which he 
is held by hundreds of the graduates of the institution, adds another 
link to the testimony, all going to show that in him the college has 
found a man equaled by very few and surpassed by none in his 
peculiar fitness for the position. 

In December, 1862, he resigned the position which he had filled so 
acceptably for thirteen years, and retired to the walks of private life, 
taking up his abode on a farm on the banks of the Delaware, not far 
from the city. Here he remained for two years, when he received a 
call from the Pennsylvania Agricultural College to become its Presi- 
dent ; he accepted it, and continued in the position two years. In 
1867, he was recalled to Girard College, thus receiving the most em- 
phatic endorsement of the efficiency of his former administration. In 
religious belief he is a Methodist, and has been for many years a 
member of that church. He was honoured, in March, 1872, by being 
elected President of the American Bible Society, which position he 
continues to hold. In 1850, the year he was first inaugurated as 
President of Girard College, the degree of Doctor of Laws was 
conferred upon him by L^nion College, Schenectady, New York, 



T^gfy MEN OF MARK. 

and also 1)\' luiiory and Ih-nry College of Virginia. He has been 
married lour times. First, in 1836, to Martha, daughter of Bishop 
Richardson, ot Toronto, Canada; his second wife was Ellen Honora 
Curtin, of Hellefonte, a sister of Governor Curtin ; his third, Mary 
Ouincy, of Boston ; and his fourth and present wife was, at the time 
of her marriage, Mrs. Anna Maria Gemmill, the widow of one of 
Philadelphia's most successful and highly esteemed merchants. 



JOSEPH GRAIN AUDENRIED, 




|0N of the Hon. William Audenried, and his wife, jane M. Wills, 
was born at Pottsville, Penn., November 6th, 1839. His father 
was a member of the State Legislature from 1822 to 1824, and 
of the Senate of Pennsylvania from 1824 to 1828, during which period 
he originated the idea of a specific fund for the support of the common 
schools of the state, which only failed in being brought to a successful 
issue, from th« fact that, to quote from the press of that day, " those 
associated with him had not the moral courage to adopt his suggestions 
or carry out his proposed reforms." 

His grandfather, Lewis Audenried, came to America from the 
Republic of Switzerland, in 1 789. On his maternal side he is 
descended from Robert Wallace, who came to America from the 
county of Londonderry, Ireland, before i y^i^, and settled on Swatara 
creek, then Lancaster, now Dauphin county, in 1738. This Robert 
Wallace, together with the Rev. William Bertram, Hu^h Wilson, and 
others, received from the proprietors, Thomas and John Penn, a 
patent for one hundred acres of land, upon which they erected the 
church of Derry, the first Presbyterian Church in that part of the 
country. This patent is recorded at Harrisburg, and is dated July i8th, 
1741. 

At the death of Robert Wallace, in i 783, his plantation, as it was 
called, passed to his son James, who had married Sarah, a daughter of 
the Rev. John Elder, of Paxton and Derry Church. This James 
Wallace served in the Revolutionary army, was appointed, in 1807, one 
of the first Brigadier Generals under the new Militia law ; was a mem- 
ber of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, from 1806 to 1810, and of the 
Congress of the United States from 181 5 to 1821. 

When the Manor of Lowther, now in Cumberland county, was 
surveyed and divided into lots, in 1767, lot No. 4 was taken up by 
Moses Wallace, the eldest son of Robert Wallace, for which he paid 
to the proprietors, Thomas and John Penn, three hundred and eighty- 
one pounds, ten shillings. The warrant for this was granted in 1771, 
and the patent in 1774. 

Moses Wallace married Jean Fulton, daughter of Richard Fulton, 
of the township of Paxton, in the county of Lancaster. Moses 
Wallace was born in 1741, and died in 1803. Jean P^ulton was born 



,gg MEN OF MARK. 

in 1748, and died in 1786. The)- arc Ijoth l)ui-i(jd in ihc Paxton gravc- 
\ard. Robert Wallace, born 1712, died 1783; and Mary, his wife, born 
1721, died 1784, being buried in Uerry Church graveyard. Out of 
several children born to Moses and Jean Wallace only one survived 
them, and this was Isabel, born 1776, who married Alexander Wills, 
the son of James and Mary Wills. In 1809, Alexander Wills was 
commissioned b)' (Jovernor Snyder, as justice of the Peace for Allen 
township, Cumberland county, and this office he held for nearly forty 
years. 

They had three daughters, the eldest, Jane M., born June 8th, 1808, 
married the Hon. William Audenrled, of .Schu\Ikill county. Pa., the 
second, Rebecca Y., born January 23d, 181 1, married Dr.-Joseph Crain, 
son of Richard M. Crain, Esq., (a Captain in the War of 181 2,) and 
grandson of Captain Ambrose Crain of the Revolutionary army. The 
third daughter, Caroline, born April 12th, 181 7, married Dr. Matthew 
Semple, afterwards Professor of Chemistry in the Homoeopathic 
College of Philadelphia. 

P'rom the marriage between Jane M. Wills and the Hon. William 
Audenried comes the subject of this sketch, who, in 1857, was 
appointed to the United States Military School at West Point, from 
the Congressional District of Pennsylvania embracing the counties 
of Cumberland, Perry and York. After a course of study of four 
years, he graduated at that institution June 24th, 1861, and was 
commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the then Fourth, now First 
Cavalry, but afterwards he was commissioned as First Lieutenant 
and Adjutant of the Sixth Cavalry, the commission dating from June 
24th, 1 861. The following, taken from General Cullom's biographical 
history of the officers and graduates of West Point, Vol. II, will give 
his military record : " Served in the rebellion of the seceding States, 
1 861 -1 866; in drilling volunteers at Washinoton, D. C, Ivme and 
July, 1S61 ; in the Manasses campaign, of luly, 1861 ; as Aide-de- 
Camp to Brig. Genl. Daniel Tyler (second in command) ; being en- 
gaged in the action at Blackburn's P'ord, July i8th, 1861 ; and battle 
oi Pull Run, July 21st, 1861 ; in the defences of Washington, D. C, 
July, iS6i,to March, 1862, being attached to the Second Artillery until 
December. 1861 : as Adjutant of the Sixth United States Cavalry, 
December ist, 1861, to July 21st, 1862, during which time he was 
detached in the \ irginia Peninsular campaign (Army of the Potomac), 
as acting Assistant Adjutant General of the First Cavalry Brigade, from 
March, 1862, to July, 1862, being engaged in the siege of Yorktown, 
April 5th to May 4th, 1862; battle of Williamsburg, May 5th, 1862; 



JOSEPH CHAIN AUDENRIED. 3C)C) 

action of Hanover Court House, May 27th, 1862. On July loth, 1862, 
he was appointed Aide-de-Camp to Major General E. V. Sumner, and 
promoted to the rank of Captain and additional Aide-de-Camp, August 
20th, 1862. Served with General Sumner in the Maryland campaign 
(Army of the Potomac), September, 1862, being engaged in the battle 
of Antietam, September 17th, 1862, (when he was wounded, being 
shot through the left leg, and brevetted Captain in the regular army for 
gallant and meritorious services ;) in the Rappahanock campaign (Army 
of the Potomac), December, 1862, to April, 1863; being engaged as 
Aide-de-Camp to General Sumner in the battle of Fredericksburg, 
December 13th, 1862. Major General Sumner dying in March, 1863, 
he was ordered to Major General John E. Wool, commanding Depart- 
ment of the East, New York city, and remained on his staft during the 
month of April, 1863, when he was ordered to report to Major 
General Ulysses S. Grant, then at Vicksburg, Mississippi, as Aide-de- 
Camp. Served with Major General Grant from June 20th, 1863, to 
October ist, 1863, being engaged in the siege of Vicksburg, June 20th, 
1863, to July 4th, 1 863, and present at the surrender of the Confederate 
General Pemberton's army, at Vicksburg, July 4th, 1863. 

Major General William T. Sherman being ordered from Vicksburg 
to the relief of the army under Major General Rosecranz, at Chatta- 
nooga, Captain Audenried was ordered to report to him for duty as 
Aide-de-Camp; served as Aide-de-Camp from October 3d, 1863, being 
engaged in the march from Memphis, Tennessee, to Chattanooga, 
Tennessee, October ist to November 20th, 1863, participating in the 
action at Colliersville, Mississippi, October iith, 1863; battle of 
Missionary Ridge, November 24th and 25th, 1863; march to the 
relief of Knoxville, November 28th to December 2d, 1863, and return 
to Chattanooga, and thence to Vicksburg, Mississippi, December, 

1863, to January, 1864. Expedition to Meridian, Mississippi, February 
1st to February 25th, 1864 ; Atlanta campaign. May to September ist, 

1864, participating in the batde of Resaca, May 14th and 15th: New 
Hope Church, May 25th, 28th ; Kenesaw Mountain, June 20th to July 
2d; Adanta, July 2 2d ; Atlanta, again, July 28th; Jonesboro, Septem- 
ber 1st; and siege and capture of Atlanta, July 22d to September ist, 
1864, for which he was brevetted, September ist, 1864, Major in the 
regular army for gallant and meritorious services during the Atlanta 
campaign. 

March from Atlanta to the sea, November 14th, 1864, terminating 
with the capture of Savannah, December 21st, 1864. Invasion of the 
Carolinas, January 15th to April 26th, 1865, participating in the 



^OO MEN OF MARK. 

haltU:s of Aveiysboro, March 1 6th, and Bt;ntonvinc, IMarch 20th and 
21st, 1S65. Capture of Raleigh, April 13th, and surrender of General 
Joseph E. Johnson's Rebel army, at Durham station, April 26th, 1865, 
being brevettcd, March 13th, 1865, Lieutenant Colonel in the regular 
army for gallant and meritorious services during the Rebellion. March 
to Richmond and Washington, D. C, April 28th to May 24th, 1865. 
Stationed at Head Quarters, Militar)' Division of the Missouri, June 
27th, 1865, to March, 1869. 

In 1866, Major General Sherman having been appointed Lieutenant 
General, Captain Audenried was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant 
Colonel and Aide-de-Camp on the Staff. 

|uly 1st, 1866, he was promoted in the regular arni)^ tq the rank of 
Captain, .Si.xth United States Cavalry. 

Lieutenant General Sherman, having been made General of the 
Army, March 4th, 1869, by General U. S. Grant being elected Presi- 
dent of the United .States, Lieutenant; Colonel Audenried was pro- 
moted to the rank of Colonel and Aide-de-Camp to General W. T. 
.Sherman, and with him chanofed his station to Washins^ton, D. C, 
March 4th, 1S69, where he remained until October, 1874, when Gen- 
eral .Sherman having at his own request removed the Head Quarters 
of the Army to St. Louis, Mo., Colonel Audenried is now stationed 
there. 




JOHN STEWART, ESQ. 

OHN STEWART was born February ist, 1807, in Adams 
county, Pa. In 1830, he removed to Loudon, Franklin county. 
Pa., where, in 1832, he was married to Mary C Scott, 
daughter of Thomas Scott, of that place. 

Leaving Loudon, he located himself in Waynesburg, in the same 
county, and engaged in merchandising and contracting. Here he 
connected himself with the Presbyterian Church in 1844. In 1845, '^^ 
received from his fellow-citizens the compliment of an election to the 
Legislature. The duties of this office he discharged with fidelity, and 
to the satisfaction of his constituents, but declined a re-election in 1846. 

In 1849, Mr. Stewart removed to Weaverton, X^irginia, where he 
was ordained an elder in the Presbyterian Church of Harper's Ferry. 
At this place he acted in the capacity of a contractor on the railroad, 
and an event that occurred indicated the strong attachment felt to him 
by the men in his employment. On a certain occasion a mob of wild 
Irish laborers turned out upon the line. Some contractors had to flee 
for their lives, others were beaten and wounded. When the mob 
reached the works of Mr. Stewart, and threatened to attack his person, 
one hundred of his own men rallied for his defence, alleging that every 
one of them must be beaten before any violence should be done to Jiii)i. 

In 1855, Mr. Stewart settled in Altoona, Pa., and the next year in 
Pittsburgh, where he was Passenger and Ticket Agent of the Pennsyl- 
vania and the Western Railroads until 1864. Whilst active in this 
capacity, an incident occurred, illustrative of the truth that "A soft 
answer turneth away wrath." A traveler offered western money for a 
ticket, and when told by Mr. Stewart that he could not take anything 
but bankable money, the traveler became very angry, and said, " I 
think you are a mean fellow." Mr. Stewart quietly answered, " You 
don't think half as badly of me as I do of myself; we are only known by 
our own spirits and by our Maker." The incensed traveler, on a little 
reflection, came back, apologized, said he deserved the rebuke and 
would endeavour to profit by it. 

In 1864, Mr. Stewart removed to Philadelphia, where he is engaged 
in the service of the United States. He is at present an acting elder 
in the Tenth Presbyterian Church, (Rev. Dr. H. A. Boardman's,) and 
is much esteemed by all who know him as an useful and exemplar)'^ 
member of the community. With but limited advantages of education 
and fortune to start with, he has, by his energy, wisdom and integrity, 
made for himself a highly creditable record. 



HON. DAVID SPANGLER KAUFMAN. 




.WID SPANGLER KAUFMAN was born at Boiling Springs, 
in Cumberland county, December i8th, 1813. As a boy he 
undertook to prepare himself for mercantile pursuits, but his 
employer-' perceiving by his thoughtful expression, disposition to study, 
and indifference to the sale of goods, that he had talents that would 
qualify him for a higher sphere, advised him to fit himself for one of 
the learned professions. 

At a very early age he entered Dickinson College as a student, and 
afterwards graduated at Nassau Hall, Princeton, N. J. Having studied 
law, he located at Natchitoches, Louisiana, and commenced the practice 
of his profession in 1835. In 1841, he was married to Miss Jane 
Richardson. After Gen. Houston had obtained possession and estab- 
lished his right to Te.xas, about 1S42, Mr. Kaufman had a meeting 
called at Natchitoches, offered the first resolution in favour of annexa- 
tion, and delivered a strong speech in favour of that project. Houston, 
having been wounded at the battle of San Jacinto, came to New 
Orleans to recruit his health, and finding Kaufman's resolution and 
speech in the newspapers, he sent for him to come to that city, and 
on his arrival, made him his room-mate. Soon he prevailed on his 
young friend to return to Natchitoches, settle up his business, and 
go with him to Texas. 

The government of Texas was soon established, and Kaufinan was 
elected to the first Texas Legislature. Having served as Speaker of- 
that body for three successive years, he was elected to the Senate of 
the state. During his career as Senator he was sent to New York to 
assist in arranging the code of laws for the state. About 1846 he was 
a])pointc-d minister to Washington, but when he arrived there the 
action of Congress upon the annexation resolutions had progressed 
so far that he could not be received in this character or capacity. 
These resolutions having passed, he returned to Texas, became a 
candidate for the United States Congress, and although he had six 
competitors, received more votes than all of them together. He took 
his seat in the House of Representatives in 184S, was re-elected in 
1850, and again in 1852. 

Soon after Mr. Kaufman had located in Texas, he was made a 



*Mai. David Ncvin, nf Shippenslnirg 



HON. DAVID SP ANGLER KAUFMAN. 403 

Major in the army, and as the Indians were committing depredations 
along- the border, it became necessary to drive them back. In an 
engagement of the forces which Major Kaufman commanded against 
nine hundred Indians, he received a wound which at first was sup- 
posed to be mortal. A ball entered his mouth and passed out near 
the left ear. About this time S. Rhodes Fisher, who was Secre- 
tary of the Navy, made a cruise at sea, and having committed some 
[ unlawful acts, was dismissed from office by the President. It required 
the concurrence of the' Senate to effect his discharge. The Secretary 
employed Rusk, Lamar & Wharton, a legal firm of eminent ability, for 
his defence. The President (Houston) employed Major Kaufman on 
the part of the government, and in the earnest contest he was trium- 
phant. A copy of his argument, published in the Te.xas Chnviiclc 
from which some interesting extracts might have been made, was sent 
to A. D. Kaufman, Esq., of Chambersburg, but unfortunately, it, with 
other correspondence from which other valuable historical details 
might have been gleaned, was consumed when that town was burned. 
Major Kaufman was above medium size, and of prepossessing ap- 
pearance and gentlemanly bearing. He was possessed of a very 
vigorous intellect and marked energy of character. His popularity in 
Texas was very great. As a token of respect a large and flourishing- 
town in that state was named after him. The writer well remembers of 
being told by him in a confidential conversation in Washington, that he 
could easily have secured Gen. Houston's seat in the United States 
Senate, but could not think of doing so on account of his respect for 
the old General, and the friendly relations existing between them. A 
brilliant prospect seemed to open up before Major Kaufman, which 
was suddenly blasted by the dark shadow of death. Whilst occupying 
his seat in the National Hall of Representatives, in the full enjoyment 
of his usual health, he was taken suddenly ill, repaired at once to the 
hotel at which his family were boarding and expired in less than an 
hour. At his decease he had four children, two of whom are still 
living — a son and a daughter. 




JOHN CUSTIS RICHARDS, M. D. 

OHN CUSTIS RICHARDS was born in Baltimore, Mary- 
land, lune ist, 1812. His ancestry were of Welsh origin. 
His grandfather was the Rev. Lewis Richards, of Glamorgan- 
shire, Wales, who was sent to this country aVjout the latter part of 
llic last century by Lady Huntington, as a missionary. He was 
married in Virginia to a Miss Custis ; and from his maternal grand- 
parent, the subject of this article derived his name. His father was 
lohn Custis Richards, an esteemed merchant of Baltimore, who died 
at an advanced age. 

Dr. Richards was reared with all the advantages that superior social 
position could secure, and in the year 1825, when thirteen years old, 
was sent to the Academy at Belle Air, an institution of learning then 
with a reputation second to none, in charge of Rev. R. H. Davis, and 
was more extensively patronized and held a higher reputation than any 
other institution of its class in Maryland, the largest number of its 
students being from Baltimore. The discipline was rigidly strict ; the 
course of instruction systematic, thorough and exacting in details; and 
it has been said " that the student who had passed with approval 
through his Greek, Latin and Mathematical studies under Reuben H. 
Davis, need have feared no other ordeal in those particular branches." 
After remaining at this institution nearly live years, he next entered a 
preparatory school at Burlington, N. J., where he remained six months 
prior to entering Yale College, where he matriculated in 1S30, entering 
the Sophomore class. During his junior year, about eighteen months 
after his entrance, he was called home by the extreme illness of his 
mother and brother, who shortly after his return died. Being the only 
surviving member of a large family his father could not part with him 
again, and he entered at once upon the study of his chosen profession 
in the office of Dr. Samuel Baker, who was Professor of Anatom\- in 
die Medical University of Maryland. 

He graduated in medicine in the spring of 1834, receiving his degree 
from the Medical I'niversity of Maryland, one of the leading institu- 
tions in the country, the several chairs being filled by Profes.sors 
Roljley Dunglison, Elisha Geddings, .Samuel Baker and other no less 
gifted and talented colleagues. Immediately after his graduation he 
opened an office in Baltimore for the practice of his profession and 



JOHN CUSTJS RICHARDS. M. D. ^05 

was successful to a marked degree, being connected with the hospitals 
there, and having served as Dispensary Physician for two years. But 
all his tastes and inclinations were opposed to the confining life of a 
city physician and he accepted the opening offered in Chambersburg, 
and he came there in June, 1837, much to the regret of all his friends 
in Maryland, but he never regretted his choice and the step he then 
took. 

His personal accomplishments and professional skill soon won the 
regard of the community in which he settled, and he rapidly acquired 
an extensive and lucrative practice, which embraced a large portion of 
the affluent and influential families of the town and surrounding country. 
He was successful in an eminent degree and his reputation was most 
creditable and widespread, attracting to him from a distance the 
afflicted in great numbers. A gentleman of the old school, he was 
utterly incapable of a mean or dishonorable action. In every depart- 
ment of life he so comported himself as to win the esteem and confi- 
dence of all. Ever attentive, watchful and patient in his ministrations 
as a physician,' he carried with him into the chamber of sickness an 
atmosphere of cheerfulness and sunshine that often robbed disease of 
half its terrors. 

A self-reliant practitioner, deliberate, he was always careful in his 
diagnosis, and orthodox in his treatment, always prompt to the call 
of duty, a model of self-sacrificing devotion to his profession. In his 
consultations and intercourse with physicians, he was a careful observer 
of the ethics of the profession, conservative and scrupulous in the 
treatment of his medical friends, and never taking any advantage by 
word or act. And if at any time any unpleasant remarks were made 
in his presence, against any professional brother, if he was unable to 
make a defence he was never the man to condemn. He was held in 
no less esteem as a citizen and neighbour ; he was always ready to 
extend a helping hand to the needy. 

Dr. Richards was twice married, and left a widow, three daughters, 
and a son, to deplore his loss and revere his memory. As a husband 
and lather he was kind, indulgent and loving to a degree that made 
his home happy and cheerful to all its inmates. His large and varied 
experience in life, and retentive memory, enabled him to draw upon a 
fund of reminiscence and anecdote which his rare conversational 
powers fitted him to delineate in a manner that rendered his com- 
panionship agreeable to all. 

Dr. S. G. Lane, writing of him, says: "Dr. Richards was a notable 
man in many respects. He was remarkably handsome, his fine physique 
26 



.^y, MEN OP' MARK. 

was developed aiul invigorated by athletic trainin>4- in his youth, and hy 
iield s|)orls which he enjoyed throughout his \\{ii ; he was a splendid 
type of elastic strength. Added to his fine presence were rare graces 
of address and demeanour, courtesy, aftability, refinement; all the pleas- 
ing traits which constitute the gentleman. His disposition was kind 
antl affectinnate ; he was warmly attached to his friends; of a gentle, 
forbearing temperament, averse to contentions and controversies, 
yet compelling respect. 1 )r. Richards was a higher style of man still ; 
he was a faithful Christian, a full member of the Falling Spring Presby- 
terian Church. In the public progress, and in the limited movements 
of the community about him, he took an active interest. During the 
rebellion his heart was loyal to the goverment, and his sympathies and 
an.xieties were keenly enlisted in the cause of the Union and freedom." 

The burning of Chambersburg, by the rebels, July 30th, 1864, swept 
from him the accumulation of many years of severe toil, but what he 
most regretted was the loss of a large and valuable librar)-. He, with a 
number of other prominent citizens, was seized by the rebel commander 
and held as a hostage for the production of the immense sum demanded 
as a ransom, with threats to carry them to Richmond, and burn every 
house in the town if his demands were not acceded to ; the demand 
being indignantly refused, the hostages were not released until after 
the town had been set on hre. When he reached his house it was 
already in flames, and everything in it destroyed. He was not able to 
secure even a memento, and only escaped from the burning town at 
the greatest personal peril. 

Frecjuently during the war he rendered efficient service to the sick 
and wounded. He was the surgeon in charge of a hospital at Chambers- 
burg for some time in the early part of the war, and received appoint- 
ment upon the staff of the Surgeon General in 1863, as one ot the 
V'olunteer Aid Corps of Surgeons of Pennsylvania. 

He was one ot the organizers of the first Medical Society formed in 
Franklin county, about the year 1854, and was one of its most active and 
zealous workers. He was also one of the organizers of the present 
Medical Society, in whose deliberations he always took an active part, 
rarely being absent from its meetings, having acted as presiding officer 
and was alwa)'s ready to advocate any measure for the advance of 
the medical profession. 

Toward Uie close of his life, failing health and frequent disappoint- 
ments, acting on a temperament e.xtremely nervous, had rendered him 
somewhat reserved in general society. But those who knew him, 
knew that he had a warm heart, and that he loved to do good to all who 



JOllN CUSTIS RICHARDS, M. D. ^07 

came within the circle of his affections. He continued in active practice 
until the day he took his bed, but a few weeks before his death, which 
occurred June nth, 1874. 

At a meeting of the Medical Society of P^ranklin county, held Jul)- 
7th, 1874, Dr. John Montgomery, who had long held most intimate 
personal and professional relations with Dr. Richards, was appointed 
to prepare a sketch of his life and character, to be read before the 
Society, and for publication in the transactions of the State Medical 
Society. This sketch we have great pleasure in transferring to our 
pages, presenting, as it does, a faithful record of the eminent and 
useful career of one whose memory will long be cherished with the 
warmest affection by those who had the privilege of enjoying his 
personal friendship, and with high esteem and great respect by all 
those who love the noble profession to which he belonged. 

" Many of us," says Dr. Montgomery, at the conclusion of his sketch, 
" have been his pupils, and we long to pay a tribute of love and homage 
to the memory of our beloved preceptor. He was for many years one 
of us, and we take pride in transmitting to future members of the 
Society our keen appreciation of his manifold gifts and graces. His 
labours are closed, and his work among us is finished. How honoura- 
bly he sustained the cares of life ! When the summons comes to us, 
may our eyes close in death like his, and our dying pillow be as easy," 




BKHVliT MAJOR (iHN. WASIIINCTOX i.. U.]M)T\\ I . S. A. 

HE subject of this sketcli, son of Commodore Jesse 1 ). I'^Uiott, 
U. S. N., was born at Carlisle, Pa., March 31st, 1825. He 
was a student at Dickinson College until June, 1841, when he 
was appointed a cadet to the United States Military Academy. Com- 
missioned Second Lieutenant of a mounted Rifle Regiment, May 27th, 
1S46, he served in Mexico during part of the war, and was promoted 
to a iirst Lietenancy, July 20th, 1847. 

bVom May, 1849, until October, 1851, Lieutenant Elliott served at 
l^ort Laramie on the Oregon Route. From February, 1852, until 
January, 1856, he was on duty in Te.xas, having been promoted Captain, 
July 20th, 1854, and from October, 1856, until November, i860, he 
was on duty in New Mexico. During the past eleven years he has 
been engaged in service among the Indians, having had several 
skirmishes and fights with the Camanches, Kiowas, several tribes of 
Apaches and Navajoes. 

In April, 1861, Captain Elliott was engaged in the muster into 
service of volunteers of the state of New York, at Elmira. From 
June to September, in the same year, he was on duty with the command 
of General Nathaniel Lyon, in southwest Missouri. In September, 1861, 
he was commissioned as Colonel of the Second Iowa X'olunteer 
Cavalry, and in November of the same year. Major of the First United 
States Cavalry. 

Major Elliott participated in the operations of General Pope's Army 
at New Madrid and Island No. 10, in March and Aj^ril, 1862. In the 
following month he participated in the siege of Corinth, Miss., in 
command of Second Brigade, .Cavalry Division, Army of the Mississippi, 
composed of Second Iowa and Second Michigan Cavalry; he made the 
first cavalry raid of the Rebellion, on the communications of General 
Hcau regard, south of Corinth, near Boone ville. Miss., destroying a 
large amount of Rebel property, and cutting off, for the use of our own 
army, a large number of locomotives and cars. June 1 1 th, 1 862, he 
was promoted Brigadier General of volunteers, and participated in the 
second batde of Bull Run, as Chief of Cavalry, Arrny of Virginia, in 
whieh l)atde he was slightly wounded. In September and October, 
1862, he was assigned to the duty of organizing cavalry for protection 
of the frontiers of Nebraska and Dakota. 



BREVET MAJ. GEN. WASHINGTON L. ELLIOTT. V. S. A. 409 

In March, 1863, General Elliott was assigned to the command of a 
Brigade in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, and left at Maryland Heights 
to evacuate that place and remove property to Washington, D, C. 
On the completion of this work, he was assigned to the command of 
Third Division, Third Corps, Army of the Potomac. October, 1863, 
he was transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, commanded by 
Major General George H. Thomas, and assigned to the command of 
the cavalry of that army, consisting of four divisions. He participated 
in the operations in east Tennessee, for the relief of General Burnslde, 
at Knoxville, during the winter of 1863-4; also in the campaign from 
May to September, 1864, resulting in the capture of Atlanta, Decem- 
ber 2d, 1S64. He was assigned to the command of Second Division, 
Fourth Army Corps, of the Army of the Cumberland, and partici- 
pated in the batdes of Nashville, December 15th and i6th, 1864, under 
command of General (ieorge H. Thomas, for which he was brevetted 
Major General. 

August 31st, 1866, he was promoted Lieutenant Colonel, iMrst 
United States Cavalry, and served in Oregon, Washington and Idaho 
Territories. During the Rebellion he served under the following- 
Generals, from each of whom he received complimentary letters and 
recommendations to the War Department, viz : Majors General Pope, 
Rosecrans, Schenck, French, Thomas, together with endorsement of 
the latter by General W. T. Sherman. He is now in charge of 
Benicia Barracks, California. 

-Such is a succinct record of the public life of General Elliott. His 
steady advancement to higher positions is all the evidence that is 
needed that his career has been one eminently honourable to himself, 
gratifying to his friends, and creditable to his native valley. 




COLONHL AI.EXy\NI)HR KELLY McCLURlL 

ilOLONEL A. K. McCLURE was born in Perry county, Pa., 
lanuary 9th, 1828, of Scotch-Irish descent. 

He is emphatically self educated. When fifteen yeans of 
as^-e, he was apprenticed to the tanning trade. In three years, his term 
of indenture having expired, he commenced life as a journeyman, and, 
in the pursuit of his calling, during the year 1846, he traveled through 
P(!nnsylvania, New York, and New England, adding to his store of 
learnino-. The world was his teacher, and so apt was he to receive its 
lessons, that in the fall of the same year he removed to his native 
county, and boldly embarked in the avocation of a newspaper pub- 
lisher. He established, at Mifflin, the Juniata Sentinel, and while 
devoting his mental abilities to its editorial management, he also 
practised and mastered the mysteries of the printer's art, and in one 
year became so conversant with the practical working of the composing 
room as to be able to turn out a paper, the work of his own brains 
and hands. Thus, before reaching his twentieth year, he had learned 
two practical trades, and was an editor well versed in local politics. 

L'pon his twenty-first birthday, Mr. McClure received a commission 
as aid from the then Governor, William F. Johnston, with the rank and 
title of Colonel. He was appointed in 1850, Deputy United States 
Marshal for Juniata county. In 1852, he became the proprietor and 
publisher of the Chambcrsburg Repository, which he enlarged and 
improved, greatly increasing its circulation and making it one of the 
most iniluential journals in the state. In 1853, being then but twenty- 
five years of age, he was nominated by the Whig party for the office of 
Auditor General, but was defeated. By Governor Pollock, in 1855, he 
was appointed Superintendent of Public Printing, but after holding the 
position for eight months, he resigned, and the .same year was admitted 
to the bar, and commenced the practice of the law in Chambers- 
burg, entering into partnership with his former preceptor, William 
McClelland. 

In 1856, Col. McClure received from Governor Pollock the appoint- 
ment of Superintendent of the Erie and Northeast Railroad, troubles 
in connection with this road having caused several riots and much mis- 
chief for a year previous, in the city of Erie. He directed his energies 
to the settlement of these difficulties, and finally succeeded in adjusting 



COL. ALEXANDER KELLY AhCLURE. 



411 



affairs to the satisfaction of all concerned. The same year he served 
as a delegate to the National Republican Convention, and canvassed 
the state in behalf of its nominees, Fremont and Dayton. He was 
one of the few Republicans elected to the Legislature in 1857; the 
district which he represented had previously invariably given a majority 
against his party. As a representative, he was prominent, and exerted 
his influence in favour of the sale of the public works, and in aiding 
the construction of the Elrie Railroad. He was re-elected in 1858 ; and 
in 1859, after a most e.xciting contest, he succeeded, as State Senator, 
an opponent who was deemed invulnerable. In i860, he was appointed 
Chairman of the Republican State Central Committee, and arranged a 
complete organization in every county, township, and precinct in the 
state. At that time, he was prominently mentioned for I'nited States 
Senator, but declined to be a candidate. 

During the war, as Chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs, 
while in the State Senate, Col. McClure was most earnest in his sup- 
port of the National and State Gov'ernments. From his place in the 
Senate house, he introduced war measures of substantial importance. 
In 1862, he was commissioned an Assistant Adjutant General of the 
United States Army, in order to qualify him for the military duty of 
enforcing the draft in Pennsylvania. After making the draft, thereby 
placing seventeen regiments in the field, he resigned his commission, 
This service he performed at the special request of President Lincoln 
and Secretary of War Stanton. 

Col. McClure declined, in 1863, the Chairmanship of the Republican 
State Central Committee, but exerted his best efforts during the cam- 
paign to secure the re-election of Governor Curtin. A delegate to the 
Republican National Convention in 1864, he was formally tendered by 
three-fourths of the delegates the Chairmanship of the State Committee, 
but this he declined, in order to accept the nomination for the Legisla- 
ture from a new and strongly Democratic district. He was elected by 
four hundred majority. In October of the same year, at the request 
of President Lincoln, he actively engaged in perfecting the political 
organization of the state for the following November's Presidential 
election. The July previous, the southern army under Lee, in its 
invasion of Pennsylvania, had entirely destroyed all his property near 
Chambersburg, inflicting a loss of ^75,000. 

The summer of 1S67, for the benefit of the health of his wife and 
son, he spent in the Rocky Mountains. Upon his return he published 
in book form his impressions of the new territories. He then decided 
to reside permanently in Philadelphia, and resumed the practice of law. 



MEN 01< MARK. 
4 ' - 

lie was Chairman of the Pennsylvania Delegation in the National ^ 
Republican Convention that nominated General (Jrant for President, 
and strongly i)ressed the claims of Governor Curtin for the Vice 
Presidency. His labours in behalf of the Republican nominees were 
extensive and valuable during that campaign ; he thoroughly canvassed 
the states of Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massa- 
chusetts. Alter the Presidential contest of 1868, in order to recruit 
both his health and finances, which had suffered much during his ten 
vears of incessant political labour, he decided to withdraw from active 
participation in party affairs, and to devote his attention to his profes- 
sion, in 1S72, he was again called to the front as the candidate of the 
Independent Reform party, was elected to the State Senate from the ' 
Fourth District of Philadelphia. He was excluded from his seat by 
false returns, but he contested the matter with his usual energy and 
success, obtaining on March 27th a decision in his favour. He was 
Chairman of the Pennsylvania Delegation at the Cincinnati Convention 
which nominated Greeley and Brown, and was also Chairman of the 
Liberal Republican State Committee of Pennsylvania during the 
Presidential contest of 1872. 

He was married February 10th, 1S52, to Miss Matilda S. Grey. 
His record is indeed that of a busy life, in which the characteristics of the 
Scotch-Irish blood may be easily traced. Hard work, hard words or 
self sacrifices have never daunted him. An acknowledged leader, he 
has ever been found at the front. As a public speaker, lecturer, or 
legal advocate, he can at all times command the attention of an 
audience, and he is strong in his powers to convince. His prepared 
speeches, carefully digested, have always been remarkable for the 
soundness of their arguments, and the power of eloquence and 
earnestness with which they have been delivered. He is a ready and 
able debater, never failing to impress his hearers. Intimate with, and 
his valuable services acknowledged by, men high in power, he could 
have held many offices of great emolument had he sought them ; but 
he has never permitted his name to be used in connection with any 
such position, his only desire in obtaining and retaining office seeming 
to be to secure the "greatest good for the greatest number." He is 
now the editor of The Times, a daily paper published in Philadelphia, 
and conducted with marked tact and ability. 




^"9 '^v^MaiUeSonySiTuar^ 



^■0 




RICHARD ALEXANDER E. PENROSE, M. D.. LL. 1). 

HE subject of this sketch was born in Carhsle, Pennsylvania, 
March 24th, 1827, the second son of Hon. Charles B. and 
Valeria FuUerton Penrose. His father was distinguished for 
brilliancy of intellect, energy of character, and vivacity and urbanity of 
manner; his mother, for intelligence and great moral excellence. 

Most of the early part of Richard's education was received at 
Dickinson College, where he graduated with the degree of A. B., in 
July, 1846. Soon after this he matriculated at the Medical Depart- 
ment of the University of Pennsylvania, where he attended lectures, 
graduating with distinction and receiving the degree of M. D., in 
March, 1849. ^^ ^ little time he was elected Resident Physician of the 
Pennsylvania Hospital, which position he faithfully filled for three 
years. He began the practice of medicine in Philadelphia, in April, 
1853. He rose rapidly to professional eminence, and very soon few 
practitioners had a more extended practice, or held a more enviable 
position among the most respected and wealthy families of the city. 
The wards of the Philadelphia Hospital (which had been closed for a 
number of years to the profession) were opened to medical instructions 
in 1854, mainly through his influence and energy, aided by several 
other energetic and rising medical men. About the same time, he 
was elected Consulting Physician to the institution, and commenced 
his clinical lectures on diseases of women and children. Here it was 
that Dr. Penrose first distinguished himself as a medical teacher, by his 
clear elucidation of truth. It was his custom to introduce numerous 
illustrative cases, selected from the wards he was instrumental in 
having opened, and he endeavoured to strengthen the effect of his 
description by the exhibition ot the very patient before the student. 

In 1856, Dr. Penrose was one of the founders of the Children's Hos- 
pital of Philadelphia, contributing to its success much of his time, 
energy, and pecuniary resources. He was tor a number of years a 
very successful private teacher of medicine. His private course of 
lectures on Obstetrics was so concise and practical, that many young 
men about to enter into the profession, were attracted by the forcible 
way he had of putting things. He was even at this time a fluent and 
accurate speaker, and when under the impulse of high principle or 
strong feeling, was often really eloquent, attracting the fixed attention 



^,4 MEN OF MARK. 

of th(> students, and carrying; their wliolc sympathy along" with him. No 
detailed account of th(> motle and spirit of his instruction could with 
propriety here be given. Suffice it to say, that he always proposed to 
the students a very high standard of medical attainment, warned them 
aoainst the dreadful evils of professional ignorance, pointed out with 
paternal wisdom and kindni^ss the temptations and perils which beset 
the physician, ami the snares uito which so many are entrapped, and 
especially medical men who are not firm in their moral convictions. 
These, and kindred lessons, he instilled into the minds of his pupils, 
not less by e.xample than by precept. He was before them from year 
to \car, a model of the accomplishments, duties and responsibilities he 
inculcated. In his social relations in the class-room with the students, 
every one could seethe beautiful harmony between his teachings and his 
lifi', and learn how solicitous he was to make those under his tuition 
not only able practitioners, but useful citizens, and good men. His ' 
views on all the subjects which engaged his attention were clear, com- 
prehensive, and of a salutary tendency, and in this mould he laboured 
to fashion the character of the students under his care. 

Appreciating his marked merit as a private teacher, the Trustees of 
the University of Pennsylvania, in 1863, elected Dr. Penrose to the 
Professorship of Obstetrics and Diseases of Women and Children, 
lately made vacant by the resignation of the illustrious and beloved 
Professor Hugh L. Hodge. As a lecturer. Dr. Penrose is dignified, 
graceful and affectionate, but the pouring out unreservedly all that he 
thinks and feels constitutes the chief charm of his professional instruc- 
tion, llis system ot treatment in his peculiar branch is principally 
original, and on this account his teaching mainly consists of vivid 
pictures of his experience, in which the pupil is enabled to see the 
very events as they pass, and to see them, too, with the trained eyes of 
their Professor. His lectures become in fact to his pupils a sort of 
experience of their own. Through them there frequently runs a vein 
of good nature, enlivened with touches of humour, which adds much to 
their attractiveness, and renders their impression more permanent. 
Notwithstanding his busy life, he has contributed various medical 
papers to the journals, all characteristic of his practical turn, and each 
written with his usual gracefiilness, facility, and extraordinary clear- 
nc^ss and force. 

I >r. Penrose is a gentleman of culture, strong convictions, and great 
decision ol character. He possesses powers of quick and accurate; 
observation, and a sound, cautious judgment. He is a faithful friend, 
a man true to his calling, honourable in all things, conscientious and 



RICHARD ALEXANDER F. PENROSE, M. D. LL. D. 415 

upright in his profession. Towards the sick his deportment is most 
happy. The cheering smile with which he accosts his patients, his 
soothing kindness, his sympathy, his encouraging and confident manner 
while there is ground for hope, remain indelibly impressed on many 
grateful hearts in the city of his residence. He is scrupulously careful 
never to violate professional confidence. 

By his professional brethren Dr. Penrose is regarded as notably 
skilful in diagnosis, and perhaps in no respect does he appear to 
greater advantage than in his relations with medical men. It is one of 
his maxims, that no physician can have a satisfactory professional 
standing, who disregards the good will and good opinion of his fellow- 
practitioners. Being himself in every sense a gentleman, he is stricdy 
obedient to the code of medical ethics. He is often consulted by 
patients from great distances in obscure and difficult cases, and very 
often is called in consultation by other practitioners. He has none 
of those petty jealousies which would lead him to fear a rival in any 
person with whom he may be ass"bciated in attendance, nor of the 
arrogant self-esteem which owns no fallibility of judgment. Towards 
the junior members of the profession he always conducts himself in a 
manner calculated to win their affection as well as their respect. 
Instead of affecting or assuming any superiority, he takes them by the 
hand as young brothers, and is ever gratified with an opportunity of 
promoting their interests and aiding their professional advancement. 

In 1875, Dickinson College conferred upon Dr. Penrose the degree 
of LL. D. This title reflects creditably on his professional status, 
and literary attainments. When we consider his character and ability, 
the important stations he lias filled and now fills, the variety and magni- 
tude of his labours, and the numerous powerful agencies he sets in 
motion by his sound instruction in the science of Obstetrics, it is not 
easy to measure the influence he exerts, and will exert upon the world. 
For many years he has been engaged in training and educating medi- 
cal men. Many thousand doctors have been brought, for a longer 
or shorter period of time, under the joint instruction of himself and 
colleagues. To estimate arioht the useful results of such a life, one 
must be able to gather up the results of theirs, to trace out the influence 
of this army of co-laborers in the medical profession, one by one, and 
then their influence again in all the forms in which influence radiates. 
Thus only can we estimate properly the great good of a sound, judi- 
cious, and practical teacher, whose experience and attainments are 
ever augmenting the stream of human happiness. 




DAVID FLAVEL WOODS. M. D. 

II'. subject of this sketch, a son of Richard and Mary Jan(! 
(Sterrett) Woods, was born in Dickinson township, near 
Carlisle, Cumberland county, Pa. 

Wlicn about twelve years of age, he was sent to board with his uncle, 
the Rev. I )avid Sterrett, at McVeytown, Pa., where he might have the 
atlvantagc of the academy as a preparation for entering college. In 
due course of time he entered the Sophomore Class in Dickinson 
College, Carlisle, and graduated at that institution in 1S59. 

Soon after leaving college, young Woods entered the banking house 
of Hrll, C.arrettson & Co., at Huntingdon. Not finding this business 
congenial to his taste, or furnishing a sufficiendy large scope for his 
educational attainments, at his earnest solicitation his father sent him 
to Philadelphia to study medicine under Drs. Levis, Hunt and Penrose. 

Having pursued his studies for three years, and attended the lectures 
at die Ihiiversity of Pennsylvania, he graduated at this celebrated 
school of medicine in 1862. Shortly after this, he was elected 
Resident Physician to Blockley Hospital, which position he filled for 
one year, when he was elected Resident Physician to the Episcopal 
Hospital for eighteen months. 

In April, 1865, Dr. Woods opened an office for practice at 107 South 
Thirteenth .Street. About the same time he was associated with Drs. 
Boardman and Black in the instruction of medical students in the 
different branches taught in connection with the University of Pennsyl- 
vania. He was a successful teacher and practitioner of medicine, and 
very .soon acquired a large practice. In September, 1869, he removed 
from Thirteenth .Street to 151 North Fifteenth Street. The following- 
October he married Helen R. Stewart, daughter of B. D. .Stewart, Ksq., 
of Philadelphia. In 1872, he gave up the instrucdon of students, his 
practice having grown so large as to recjuire most of his time. 

Dr. Woods has been highly prospered in his profession. He was 
elected Surgeon to the Dispensary .Staff of the Episcopal Hospital, and 
\'isiting Physician to the Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia, and still 
continues to perform the dudes connected with this latter institution. 
He is also a member of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, and 
of the Pathological .Society of the .same city. 

During his academical career. Dr. Woods connected himself with 



DAVID FLAVEL WOODS, M. D. ^^, 7 

the Presbyterian Church at McVeytown, and has ever since honoured 
his profession of faith by a consistent Hfe. He is yet in the prime of 
life, and apparently has a very bright future of usefulness and eminence 
before him. Though of a modest and retiring disposition, his sterling- 
professional worth, instead of being concealed, grows rapidly in the 
public estimation. Dr. R. A. F. Penrose, his preceptor and personal 
friend, pays to him the following deserved tribute ; " Dr. Woods 
possesses to a marked degree the peculiar qualities of his race, 
(Scotch-Irish Presbyterian,) energy, self-reliance and intelligence, con- 
trolled, as In him, by a religious conscientiousness as beautiful as it is 
rare. All these traits enter Into and make his professional character, 
and the result has been, that no man in Philadelphia has risen more 
rapidly to professional eminence than he. An enthusiastic worker and 
learner in the arduous and ever advancing science of medicine, he 
brings to his patients not only knowledge and experience, but an 
unselfish devotion to their welfare which seldom is met with. Firm in 
his convictions, he holds them tenaciously and defends them with force 
and marked ability. In fine, we have in the character of Dr. Woods, 
honesty, truth, reliability. As a man, he Is thoroughly manly; as a 
physician, learned, popular, successful ; as a Christian, one who tries to 
resemble his Divine Master." 




MAJOR JOHN M. POMEROY. 

()HN M. POMEROY was born in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, 
on tlie I St of April, 1823. The name and family are of 
Norman origin, Pomeroy, in French, signifying I'oyal apple. 
I'"or several generations his parentage has been Scotch-Irish, so that 
there; is little of the Huguenot remaining except the name. His 
earliest ancestor, to whom his origin can be clearly traced, was a classi- 
cal teacher in the family of a nobleman in Paris, who, being a 
Protestant or Huguenot, effected his escape from the French Capital, 
on the night of the massacre of St. Bartholomew. He was aided in 
effecdng his escape by one of his pupils, the daughter of his patron, 
and he succeeded in getdng on board a fishing vessel on the coast, and 
reaching Ireland in safety. This young lady soon afterwards joined 
him in Ireland, and they were married. A descendant of this couple, 
Thomas Pomeroy, a merchant of moderate means in Liverpool, Eng- 
laiul, immigrated when a young man to America, and located among 
the earliest settlers of Cumberland valley, about the year 1730, in 
Lurgan township, Cumberland, now P>anklin, county. Some of his 
descendants have condnued to reside there continuously until the 
present time, the late Judge Thomas Pomeroy, of Roxbury, having been 
a member of the fourth, and the subject of this sketch of the fifth gen- 
eration, from the original setder. 

Both the parents of Major Pomeroy having died in his childhood, 
his uncle, the late Honourable Joseph Pomeroy, took charge of him at 
Concord, P'ranklin county, where he grew to manhood. After acquir- 
ing a fair academic education, his uncle trained him to mercantile 
pursuits, and made him his partner in business at the age of nineteen. 
He was a young man of mark and infiuence in his own locality before 
he attained his majority, as was shown by the unusual event ot his 
havin"' been elected a school director before he was a voter, the citizens 
of his townshij) being fully aware of his minority ; by his having been 
nuuU: executor of an important estate while yet a minor ; and by his 
having settled several cases of litigation by his skill and dexterity as a 
land surveyor. When twenty-two years of age he was elected to the 
Legislature from P'ranklin county, and was re-elected the following 
year. The position was then one of honour and distinction, the office 
seeking the man, rather than the man seeking the office. 



MAJOR JOHN iM. VOMER OY. _| I <; 

In 1853, Major Pomeroy removed to Philadelphia, where he con- 
tinued in mercantile pursuits until i860. 

In 1859, he represented the Tenth Ward of the city in Common 
Council. In i860, he represented the Second Congressional District of 
Philadelphia in the National Reoublican Convention, at Chicasro, 
Illinois, and supported the nomination of Abraham Lincoln for the 
Presidency. At the breaking out of the war, in 1861, President 
Lincoln appointed him a Paymaster in the army, which position he 
filled for two years with zeal and fidelity, when he resigned. He dis- 
bursed several millions of dollars in small sums to the soldiers, and at 
the settlement of his accounts with the government, there was found 
to be a balance due him of thirty-two dollars, which was an exceptional 
case with disbursing officers, although few, comparatively, proved to 
be defaulters. 

In 1865, Major Pomeroy having acquired some property in Chester 
county, Pennsylvania, located upon it, and became identified with rail- 
road enterprises in eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware. The Penn- 
sylvania and Delaware Railroad, running from Pomeroy, (named after 
him,) on the Pennsylvania Railroad, to Delaware City, Delaware, was 
built mainly through his efforts. In August, 1874, he became the 
editor and proprietor of the Franklin Repository, at Chambersburg, 
Pennsylvania, which he is now conducting with much ability. He Is 
warm in his attachments, earnest in his nature, active in his habits, and 
as a politician, exerts a marked intluence upon public oj^inion, by his 
consistency, dignity, decision and unfaltering devotion to his principles. 




A. H. SENSENY, M. D. 

IjR. ABRAHAM H. SENSENY is eminently entitled to mention 
among the remarkable men of the valley. For forty years he 
has been actively engaged in the practice of medicine at his 
native place, and has won a reputation for professional skill wide as 
the state. 

The Doctor comes from a stock of noted physicians. His grand- 
father, Abraham Senseny, went to Chambersburg from New Holland, 
Lancaster county, in 17S1, and practised in the former place until he 
was smitten to death by apoplexy, February, 1844, when he had nearly 
completed his eighty-third year. For a period of two years he was the 
only physician in the village. He was highly esteemed in the com- 
munity for his abilities and his amiable disposition. In the year 1809, 
Dr. Jeremiah Senseny, son of Abraham, commenced the practice in his 
birthplace, and continued in the service until his death on the 6th of 
August, 1863, aged 75 years. He enjoyed a fine reputation, and did a 
larger business than any of his contemporaries. During the late war 
with England, he volunteered twice. He marched with Captain Reges' 
Company, on the way to the northern frontiers, as far as Meadville, when 
he was selected assistant to the .Surgeon-in-Chief but was obliged to 
resign soon after on account of ill health. In 1S14, he re-enlisted 
and went to Baltimore hi the company of Captain Finley. He w'as a 
man ot vigorous constitution, strong mental powers and great kindness 
of heart. 

Dr. Abraham H. Senseny, of whom we propose to furnish a brief 
sketch, is the son of Jeremiah, and was born in Chambersburg, 
February, 181 i, and was brought up and educated there, receiving the 
usual classical education afforded in first rate country academies. 

Craduating in Medicine at Jefferson Medical College in 1835, he 
began the active practice of his profession the same year. At once, he 
inherited an e.xtensive business, which his splendid ability increased 
and has retained until the present day. We have no doubt that he 
has had a larger and more varied experience than any physician who 
has ever practised in his neighbourhood. For more than forty weary 
years, he has laboured with scarce a relaxation, practising all the 
Iiranches of his profession, adding lustre to the family name, which, for 



A. H. SENSENY, M. D. 421 

almost one hundred years has been renowned in the medical annals of 
Franklin county. 

Too busy in ministrations to the sick to give much time to composi- 
tion, he has nevertheless contributed occasionally to medical periodicals, 
is an habitual reader of new medical publications, and somehow finds 
leisure hours for the perusal of leading works in literature, for which 
he has a decided taste. By a rare faculty of mental endosmosis — to 
borrow a word from the science — he absorbs the leading points in a 
book, which a singularly retentive and well trained memory presents for 
ready use. A record of the interesting forms of disease which have 
come under his observation would be a treasure to the profession, and 
would rank high as a treatise in clinical medicine. In every respect he 
is competent to the task, being a discriminating observer, a judicious 
therapeutist, and a clear and expressive writer. 

The peculiar characteristics of Dr. Senseny are quickness and 
acuteness of perception, promptness of action, and unwearying energy. 
With intuition he perceives the nature of a disease, and with great 
rapidity brings his resources to bear upon its relief 

The Doctor is eminently a social personage, of strong attachments 
and prepossessions. In the care of the seriously sick, he is all gentle- 
ness and affection, but emphatic and positive to the querulous and 
intermeddling. No member of his community is more quoted for racy 
anecdotes, and quaint and pungent sayings. His great reputation fills 
his rooms with patients, takes him long journeys from home in con- 
sultations, and draws numbers of students to his office. 

Three of his sons have entered the profession ; the eldest, William 
D. Senseny, M. D., a youth of rare virtues, a few months after com- 
pleting his course, died from a rapid illness, contracted from a too 
severe application to his studies ; the remaining two. Dr. B. Rush 
and Edgar N., survive, and we hope will transmit the medical lame of 
their ancestry unsullied to future historians. 

27 




HON. ALEXANDER THOMSON. 

MONG the men who, by force of character and purity of hfe, have 
exerted a lastuig influence upon the people and the prosperity 
of the Cumberland valley, we cannot omit to mention the 
Hon. Alexander Thomson. He was a descendant of one of the early 
setders upon the Conococheague, in Franklin county, about five miles 
from Chambersburg. Alexander Thomson, his grandfather, emigrated 
from Scodand in 1771, embarking from Greenock with his wife and 
twelve children, and arriving in Boston in September of that year. He 
was a farmer, and his sturdy character may be gathered from the 
perusal of a long letter written by him in August, 1773, to a friend in 
Scodand, from his farm which he called " Corkerhill," after the name 
of his ancestral home. He states that he wished to setde two of his 
sons upon farms in .Scodand, and that for five years he looked around 
for such as would answer their purpose. He says: "I traveled 
through the country for twenty miles around the place where I lived, 
but, though I found plenty of vacant farms, I told you before and I 
declare it again on the word of an honest man, that I could see no 
farm for which the laird did not ask more than double the rent it 
was worth, so that if I had meddled with any of them I saw well that 
my sons would not be able to pay the rent, and that in three or four 
years I would not have one shilling to rub upon another. After I had 
spent so much time and labour to no purpose I confess that at length 
I conceived a sort of distaste for the lairds." 

The spirit and sentiments which actuated the .Scotch emigrants of 
whom Alexander Thomson was a noble type, are best gathered by 
further extracts which we proceed to make from this letter. After 
having given an account of the selecdon of his farm and its improve- 
ments, he goes on to say : "This is the best poor man's country in the 
world, for the price of provisions is cheap and the price of labour is 
dear. '■''■ * * * The richest soil 'in all North America is on the 
rivers Ohio and Mississippi, and I intended to have gone and settled 
th(?re at first but my wife did not incline to go so far back at that time, 
and that was the reason I made a purchase so soon and did not take 
Dr. Widierspoon's advice; but 1 made the purchase on the road that 
leads to the Ohio river, and, as 1 am told, I am just r 50 miles from 
Fort Pitt ; as soon as we have this plantation put into some order, 1 




y'^-^fy^ ■ /'h.^ 



-iry-it^ 



HON. ALEXANDER THOMSON. 423 

and one of my sons will go back and take up a large tract for the 
rest of my children. '"^ '■■■ '■'■ '■' We are in no fear that any harm 
will be done us by the Indians. I have seen many of them, and by all 
that I can hear, they are a harmless people except they be offended or 
wronged. I hope we shall not have any bickerings with them, but it 
would not be a small number of enemies that would terrify us or even 
those about Fort Pitt, for besides a well trained militia we all have 
guns in our hands, for there is no disarming act or game act as with you. 
:;: * * * YVg have the privilege of choosing our ministers, school- 
masters, constables and all other parish officers, for laying and collect- 
ing all necessary assessments. In our law courts the poor are in no 
danger of being browbeaten and borne down by the rich. With 
respect to our laws, they are made by those who are not nominally 
only but really our representatives, for without any bribes or pensions 
they are chosen by ourselves, and every freeholder has a vote. * * "^^ 
I might write to you at large about the religious liberty which is 
enjoyed in this province in the most extensive manner." 

The daring enterprise, courage and self-reliance, the respect for the 
rights of the poor, and the reverence for law, the love of freedom, and 
the independent thought which are here revealed, are the character- 
istics of the Scotch and Scotch-Irish which have made so lasting an 
impress upon our republican government. These men and their 
descendants, it is perhaps not too much to say, had more to do than 
any other equal number of men, not only in moulding, but in sus- 
taining- both in the field and in the cabinet, and making successful, the 
American Republic. 

It is not surprising that Alexander Thomson's "distaste for the 
lairds " should drive the sturdy Cameronian farmer from Scotland to 
America, and that the first man with whom he found himself in con- 
ference as to his future plans and prospects was Dr. John Wither- 
spoon, at Princeton, the Presbyterian preacher, who a few years after- 
wards enrolled his name among the Signers of the Declaration of 
Independence. The letter from which we have quoted discloses a 
character which would be in full sympathy with one who, at that time, 
was helping to give form and direction to the growing sentiment in 
favour of freedom and self government. 

They were both believers in that creed of which, in tracing its 
political influence, Bancroft has so happily said, that " it owned no king, 
but the King of Heaven ; no aristocracy but of the redeemed ; no 
bondage but the hopeless, infinite, and eternal bondage of sin ;" that it 
"invoked intelligence against .Satan, the great enemy of the human 



^24 ^P'^ OF MARK. 

race, '•' ''' * '"' and nourished its college with corn and strings of 
wampum, and in every village built the free school." 

Of the men who professed this creed, he further said, " they went 
forth in confidence that men who were kindling with the same exalted 
instincts would listen to their voice, and be effectively called into the 
brunt of battle by their side ; and standing serenely amidst the crum- 
bling fabrics of centuries of superstition, they had faith in one another." 
With these sentiments animating him, it was but natural that his sons 
should be found, as several of them were, in the American army, 
during the Revolutionary War. 

It was from such an ancestry that Alexander Thomson, the subject 
of our sketch, descended. His father, Archibald Thomson, was one 
of the; sons of the Scotch emigrant who served as soldiers in the Revo- 
lution. 

Alexander, the subject of our sketch, was born in Franklin county, 
I'a., January i 2, 1788. His parents both died young, leaving a family 
of fiv(; children, two sons and three daughters. At the age of fifteen 
Alexander was apprenticed to his uncle, Andrew Thomson, to learn 
the trade of a sickle maker. No statement that we could make would 
more strikingly suggest the rapid progress, and revolution in the 
inilustries of the Cumberland valley, than this one. Notwithstanding 
the immense crops which are annually gathered from its fertile fields, 
it is doubtful whether one sickle maker could find remunerative 
employment to-day, were he to have a monopoly of the business from 
the Susquehanna to the Tennessee. 

While acquiring his trade he manifested his love of study, and by 
the time he was through his apprenticeship he had acquired a know- 
ledge of Latin, and became well versed in the English poets. Milton 
was his favourite, and a retentive memory enabled him in his later 
years trequently to gratify his friends by reciting many of the most 
admired passages. 

Among the Presbyterian ministers who, at that early day, made 
occasional visits into that part of the Cumberland valley, was the Rev. 
.Mr. (irier, the lather of the late Justice Grier, of the Supreme Court of 
the United .States. The intelligence and studious habits of the young- 
sickle maker attracted die attention of Mr. Grier, and he invited him 
to his home at Northumberland, where it was the expectation that he 
would pursue his own studie.s, and, while so engaged, instruct the sons 
ol his Irienil in (Ireek antl Latin. After three years spent in this 
occupation, his health broke down, and he went to Bedford to escape, 



HON. ALEXANDER THOMSON. 425 

as he believed, the injurious influences of the climate of the Susque- 
hanna upon his system. 

At Bedford he took charge of the academy, and studied law with 
Judge Riddle. He was admitted to the bar, and soon attained the 
confidence of the public both as a man and a lawyer. He was elected 
to the House of Representatives in the State Legislature, and after- 
wards represented the district in Congress, from 1824 to 1826. To 
the discharge of his public duties he- brought the same untiring 
industry and scrupulous fidelity that were his characteristics through 
life. 

He took a very warm interest in the welfare of the District of 
Columbia during his term in Congress, and so zealously and success- 
fully did he labour in that behalf that his services were gratefully 
recognized by the citizens of Washington, who had his portrait painted 
and placed in the City Hall. About the end of his Congressional 
career he was appointed by the Governor to a Judgeship in the city 
of Lancaster. He occupied that position for a very brief time before 
he was appointed for life, President Judge of the Judicial District com- 
posed of the counties of Somerset, Bedford and Franklin, after which 
he removed from Bedford to Chambersburg. This position he filled 
until his term expired under the limited tenure of the amended Consti- 
tution of 1838. He was succeeded in this office by the Hon. Jeremiah 
S. Black, before whom he at once entered upon a laborious and suc- 
cessful practice in the district, attending the courts of all the counties 
and being engaged in many important cases. Among the first cases 
he tried before Judge Black, after his own retirement from the bench, 
was one which excited considerable interest in Franklin county — the 
case of Wilson against Bigger, reported in 7 Watts & Sergeant, 
involving the title to valuable lands near St. Thomas, and, as a question 
of law, the conclusiveness of decrees of the Orphans' Court. He was 
associated in this case with Hon. George Chambers, and opposed by 
Messrs. Bard and McLanahan. In cases of like importance through- 
out the district, and as the adversary or colleague of such lawyers as 
those already named, Thomas J. McCulloh, Frederick Smith, John F. 
Denny and Joseph Chambers, in Franklin county, James M. Russell, 
William Lyon, and Alexander King, in Bedford county, Joshua F. Cox 
and others, in Somerset county, he continued in the practice of his 
profession until his death, which occurred suddenly from paralysis, 
August 2d, 1848. 

In addition to his professional labours in the courts, he also filled the 
Professorship in the Law School connected with Marshall College. In 



(3 MEN OF MARK. 

this capacity he had in his office a ntimber of students, and in his 
attention to them he was most diligent. His classes were not large 
enouo-h for formal lectures, but when not absent, attending the courts 
in the district, so devoted was he to his students that at least three 
times in each week, he had them assemble, and often for two hours in 
the early morning he would examine them, and give them the most 
valuable running commentaries upon the various branches of element- 
ary law. The interest he took in his students and the paternal care he 
manifested for them, endeared him to them all, and it has been a 
source of gratification to his family that his memory has ever been 
cherished with feelings of gratitude as well as of affection by the 
numerous gentlemen who studied under his care. Among these were 
his nephew, Hon. Thomas A. Hendricks, late United States Senator, 
and now Governor of Indiana, Hon. John Scott, late United States 
Senator from Pennsylvania, and Hon. T. B. Kennedy, a prominent 
member of the Franklin county bar, and President of the Cumberland 
V'alley Railroad Company. 

Judge Thomson was not only a busy lawyer, but he took an active part 
in everything pertaining to the interests of the community in which he 
lived. He was an active member and a ruling elder in the Presby- 
terian Church of Chambersburg, a director of the bank, a trustee of the 
academy, and in all his relations he maintained an unsullied character 
and enjoyed the respect of his associates. As a judge he was labo- 
rious and conscientious in the examination of every case which came 
before him ; he maintained the dignity of his high office, and his 
decisions were the result of a sound judgment guided by the highest 
learning of his protession. As a lawyer, he was esteemed, not only 
for his industry and courtesy, but for his legal and literary attainments. 
He commanded the confidence of the profession and the community 
by his moral and religious worth. The benevolence of his heart did 
not stop in wishing well to his fellows, and when the unfortunate 
claimed his aid his beneficence was limited only by his ability to do 
good and kind acts. We remember well how an unfortunate man 
who applied to him in his office for assistance feelingly and gratefully 
responded as he left the door, and how the Judge, looking after him, 
said, '' non ignara mali tniscris sncciirrere disco!' No one present ever 
forgot the incident or the quotation. 

It was his delight to gather the young about him, and he was often 
seen die centre of a circle of the delighted students from the Female 
S-^minarv ot Chambersburg, who had learned from his genial nature 



HON. ALEXANDER THOMSON. 



427 



and cordial hospitality that his house always furnished a welcome 
second only to that of their own homes. 

Judge Thomson was twice married, first to Miss Abbie Blythe, of 
Bedford, and after her death to Miss Jane Graham, of Stoystown, 
Somerset county, who still lives his widow. Of the children of his 
first marriage there now survive him Dr. Alexander Thomson, of Mt. 
Savage, Md., and Mrs. John Culbertson, of Springfield, Missouri. 
George Thomson, Dr. William Thomson, a Professor and eminent 
OcuHst in Philadelphia, Frank Thomson, General Manager Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad, and two daughters, Mrs. James B. Dayton, of Camden, 
N. J., and Mrs. Elizabeth Lesley, widow of James Lesley, late Chief 
Clerk of the War Department, are children of his second marriage. 
Of these descendants four sons and two sons-in-law were actively 
engaged in the military service during the recent struggle for the 
preservation of the Government. It may here be added, that the 
degree of LL. D., was conferred on Judge Thomson, by Marshall 
College, in 1840. , 

No stronger encouragement can be given to the parents who bring 
up their children in the way in which they should go than the history 
of the numerous descendants of Alexander Thomson, of " Corkerhill." 
They number among them not only the subject of this sketch and his 
descendants and many others bearing his own name, but the Agnews, 
of New York, the Wylies, of Philadelphia, the Watsons, of Pittsburgh, 
the Hendrickses, of Indiana, many of whom have filled with honour 
positions alike in the high and the humbler walks of life. 




WILLIAM THOMSON, M. D. 

()\. ALEXANDER THOMSON. President Judge of the 
Sixteenth Judicial District, was one of the most eminent 
jurists of the Commonwealth. Before his elevation to the 
bench, he had served with celebrity in the halls of Congress. A close 
student and a cultivated scholar, he was an ardent friend of literature 
and a generous patron of education. All the advantages that culture 
could confer were bestowed upon his children, and the distinguished 
father has been amply repaid for his paternal solicitude by the reputa- 
tion which his sons have added to the family name. 

Of these sons, the eldest, Alexander Thomson, M. D., after being 
admitted to the bar of Franklin county, turned his attention to medi- 
cine, and for many years has been an honored and successful prac- 
titioner of the healing art in Maryland. During the war, he held 
prominent positions in the Medical Department, and discharged his 
duties with characteristic fidelity and modesty. The fifth and youngest 
son, Frank, became a practical engineer, won distinction as a railroad 
superintendent, and is now General Manager of the gigantic Pennsyl- 
vania road. 

The subject of our sketch, Dr. William Thomson, was the fourth son 
of Judge Thomson. He was born in beautiful and historic Chambers- 
burg, on the 28th day of )anuary, 1833 ! "^^s carefully educated, under 
his father's watchful eye, at the Chambersburg Academy, at that 
period one of the most noted seats of learning in the state, conducted 
by a brilliant preceptor, whose fame brought pupils from far and near 
to receive a training, in the classics especially, not inferior to the best 
of our colleges. 

Drawn to the profession in which he was to acquire such high rank^ 
he entered the office of the late Dr. lohn C. Richards, one of the most 
elegant gentlemen and ablest practitioners, and completed his pupil- 
age under his accomplished brother, Alexander Thomson, of Mount 
.Savage, Maryland. In 1855, he graduated at Jefferson Medical College, 
and began his successfiil career near Philadelphia. When the war 
liroke out, in 1S61, he relinquished a lucrative practice, was admitted, 
after an examination by the proper board, to the regular army, as 
.Assistant .Surgeon, before any volunteer troops were organized, and 
was assigned to tkity with the Army of the Potomac, with which he 



WILLIAM THOMSON, M. D. 429 

served either in the field, or at its base at Washington, until the close 
of the war. Shortly before the battle of Bull Run, July, 1861, he was 
stationed at Alexandria, in the first General Hospital organized, and 
during the fall and winter succeeding, he had charge of more than 
three hundred beds. In May, 1862, he was ordered to a General 
Hospital, at Portsmouth, Va., where he remained until August, when he 
reported to Surgeon Letterman, the far-famed Medical Director of the 
army of the Potomac, (at Head Quarters, Harrison Landing,) who 
placed him in his office as his assistant, and in this capacity, he fol- 
lowed the army on the staff of McClellan. After the hotly-waged 
battle of South Mountain, at which he was present, he was ordered 
by the Medical Director " to take charge of all the hospitals," and had 
the care of the wounded at Middletown, until they were gathered into 
temporary hospitals and finally transported to Frederick. Rejoining 
the Head Quarters, after the battle of Antietam, he was placed in 
charge of the transportation of the wounded to the hospitals at Fred- 
erick and Baltimore. In the " Medical Recollections of the Army of 
the Potomac," by Surgeon Letterman, published by the Appletons, in 
1866, the author thus refers to the services of Dr. Thomson : "As I 
anticipated, the wounded, under the supervision of Dr. Thomson, who 
labored with so much diligence and so much effect, were attended 
with great care and skill, and the hospitals soon placed in excellent 
order. This officer may feel well repaid for all the difficulties he 
encountered, by the complimentary manner in which the President, 
when on his way to the battle field of Antietam, spoke of the condition 
of the hospitals, and the great care of the wounded in them." Subse- 
quently to the Maryland campaign, while the army was advancing into 
Virginia, Dr. Thomson remained on duty at Head Quarters, until he 
was sent to Washington to act as recorder of a Board convened to 
examine Medical Officers. 

While serving as assistant to the Medical Director, he organized the 
system of " Brigade Supplies," which was issued through the order of 
the Commander in Chief, in the Circular of October 4th, 1862, 
entitled " Medical Supply Table for the Army of the Potomac for 
Field Service," and also the celebrated Division Hospital System, 
promulgated from the Medical Director's office of Army of Potomac, 
October 30th, 1862, by which, in the language of Surgeon Letterman, 
" The Department was better able than ever to discharge the duties 
devojvingupon it ;" and which not only saved the lives but the limbs, too, 
of many a gallant sufferer, as is well known to the writer of this sketch. 
These reforms were so favorably received and were so productive of 



. ,0 MEN OF MARK. 

good, that they were re-issued to all the armies by the War Depart- 
ment. 

In February, 1863, Dr. Thomson was put in charge of Douglas 
Hospital, Washington, so called from its establishment pardy in the 
commodious mansion of the illustrious Senator. This institution was 
thoroughly equipped, and was managed with such ability that it became 
one of the models of the hospital system. The Medical Inspector of 
United States Army reported to Surgeon General Hammond that he 
found it in " perfect condition in every particular part," and "had no 
suggestions to offer." Whereupon the .Surgeon General added to the 
report, that " such a testimonial of attention to duty is received at this 
office with satisfaction." 

The extraordinary fitness displayed by Dr. Thomson for hospital 
direction, so often manifested, was not overlooked by the head of the 
Medical Department, and he was elevated to the responsible position 
of the Medical Inspector of Department of Washington, which con- 
tained perhaps the largest number, certainly the most completely 
appointed hospitals ever established for wounded soldiers. The 
immense system placed under the supervision of the youthful in- 
spector may be inferred from the fact that it contained over 23,000 
beds ; and that in the year 1864 it provided for one hundred ami thir- 
teen thousand three hundred and fifty-sci<en patients ! 

In this responsible and honourable posidon he remained with in- 
creasing credit, until the overthrow of the Rebellion and the o^eneral 
abandonment of the hospitals ; when he was re-assigned for a few 
months to " Douglas," one of the last to remain open, and then returned 
to his duties as Inspector, rewarded by two brevets. In 1866, he took 
charge of a post hospital, established for the treatment of cholera, then 
epidemic. In 1867, having passed a second examination, and having 
been promoted, he was sent to Louisiana, and served there until 1868, 
when he resigned to engage in a wider and fuller and more dis- 
tinguished field. 

He has left his name enrolled among the most brilliant of the 
medical officers who were connected with the United States Army, as 
well as one of the most faithful and industrious. The splendid monu- 
ment of American surgery, the Army Medical Museum at the nation's 
capital, in papers and specimens bears witness to his professional work ; 
and he holds the proud disdnction in its published catalogue of being its 
largest contributor. 

After his resignation from the ami)- he setded in Philadelphia, where 
he was welcomed by the eminent professional brotherhood in that 



WILLIAM THOMSON, M. D. 431 

centre of medical science. He was elected to all their societies : a 
Fellow of the College of Physicians, Member of Pathological Society, 
Academy of Natural Sciences, Biological Society, County Medical 
Society, Neurological Society of New York, and American Ophthalmo- 
logical and Otological Society, etc., and was attending physician to the 
Hospital of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and Church Home for 
Children. The position in these hospitals he resigned to devote him- 
self to the diseases of the eye and ear exclusively. In 1868, he was 
elected to the staff of the Wills' Hospital for Diseases of the Eye, 
and is now serving as one of its surgeons. In 1873, he was appointed 
Clinical Lecturer on Diseases of Eye and Ear, at Jefferson Medical 
College, where he gives practical instruction to the hundreds of pupils 
who crowd the gates of that famous temple of medical science. 

Dr. Thomson stands in the front rank of Ophthalmic surgeons. He 
has contributed largely and given very valuable papers to the litera- 
ture of his specialty, and has made important additions to its science 
and art. Professor Gross, when preparing the late edition of his 
"System of Surgery," the most comprehensive medical book produced 
in this country, placed the section on the Diseases and Injuries of the 
Eye in Dr. Thomson's hands for revision, and in the preface to the 
work, acknowledges his indebtedness exclusively to the Doctor " for 
his valuable remarks upon refraction and accommodation." 

In many respects Dr. Thomson is a remarkable man. A more 
genial and brilliant conversationalist can scarcely be found ; a better 
thinker and harder worker we need not seek to find. Music, art, and 
literature furnish him with recreation, but his study is the severe 
science of his vocation. As a lecturer he is said to be charming, his 
facility of explaining is striking and his wealth of expression unsur- 
passed. As an operator he is quick, sure and skilful ; as an adviser, 
sagacious and authoritative. In general surgery he had acquired 
great experience, and had performed its most formidable operations : 
in the more delicate surgery of the eye and ear he is a recognized 
master. 




FRANK THOMSON. 

IHK fifth and youngest son of Hon. Alexander Thomson, Judge 
of the Sixteenth Judicial District, Frank Thomson, was born 
at Chambersburg, on July 5th, 1841. His preliminary and 
classical education were obtained at the Chambersburg Academy which 
has tnven culture to so many men who have since reflected credit 
upon this excellent school. When seventeen years of age he deter- 
mined to acquire a knowledge of the railway business, and for that 
purpose, entered the shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad, at Altoona. 
There he attracted the attention of Thomas A. Scott, then the General 
Manager of the line, who recognized his natural ability, and by valuable 
advice directed his practical studies towards the administration as well 
as to the construction and equipment of railroads and their machinery. 

Upon the commencement ot the Rebellion, Mr. Scott was summoned 
to the aid of the Government ; and immediately after the memorable 
attack upon the soldiers in the streets of Baltimore, on the 19th of 
April, 1 861, Mr. Thomson was detailed by Mr. Scott for duty in the 
military railway system, which was then just being organized — the 
efficiency of which contributed so essentially to the final success of the 
Government in the overthrow of the Rebellion. 

At Alexandria, Va., early in 1861, previous to the battle of Bull Run, 
he was taking those practical lessons in restoring shops, machinery 
and rolling stock, disabled by the retreating southern forces ; in 
re-building bridges, shoveling out cuts which had been filled, and con- 
structing the roads and telegraph lines to keep pace with the advancing 
troops ; in transporting men, munitions, wounded, and the various 
material requisite for an army, with no fixed organization or schedules ; 
and in repairing the damages of sudden retreats or unexpected rands ; 
and to such training he owes the self-confidence and fertility of 
resource which were used with such signal results in the great 
emergencies elsewhere before the close of the war. He was thus 
employed in the Department of the Potomac until July ist, 1862, when 
he was sent to the west and assigned to duty with the military roads 
south of Nashville, which were used by Gen. Buell's army, operating on 
the line of Decatur, Huntsville and Stevenson. During this campaign, 
the military railroad played a conspicuous part, since it was requisite 
to accomplish the necessary concentration of troops, that the men, 



FRANK THOMSON. 433 

munitions of war, supplies, etc., from the various lines south of Nash- 
ville should be safely transported over three hundred miles of road in 
the enemy's country. 

Having accompanied the army during its famous march through 
Kentucky, Mr. Thomson was directed to return to the Army of the 
Potomac, and took part in the railway achievements of the Antietam 
campaign. Afterwards he was appointed as Assistant Superintendent 
of the lines south of Acquia Creek, which were used for the supply of 
the Army of the Potomac, during the commandership of Burnside and 
Hooker, and the battles of Fredericksburs' and Chancellorsville. 

He was then recalled to the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad 
and assigned to a position which he held for one month only, being 
again honoured by a request from Col. Thomas A. Scott, then specially 
detailed by the Secretary of War, to aid him in the greatest transport- 
ation movement of the war — in the removal of two entire Corps, the 
Eleventh and Twelfth, with their full equipment of artillery, horses, 
wagons, camp utensils, tents, hospital supplies and baggage, from the 
front of the Army of the Potomac, near Washington, to the Army of the 
Cumberland, at Chattanooga. This difficult feat was deemed requisite 
for the salvation of the Army of the Cumberland, and was fully ac- 
complished in the short space of fourteen days. 

The battle of Rosecranz, at Chickamauga, the retiring ot the army 
to Chattanooga, its environment by Bragg's army, the inadequacy of 
its line of supply, its desperate condition when General Grant was 
assigned to its command, are matters of history. It became necessary 
that the line of railroad, miserably constructed and equipped, runnino- 
through a country thickly infested by guerillas, and subject to constant 
interruption from successful raids, should be rendered capable of 
transmitting re-inforcements and supplies enough to enable our army 
to advance. Mr. Thomson was placed in charge of these lines south 
of Nashville to accomplish this arduous task, in which he entirely 
succeeded, and thus contributed in an essential manner to those bril- 
liant military movements which not only relieved our own army but 
enabled it to assume the aggressive with such splendid results. 

At the request of the chief officers of the Pennsylvania Railroad 
Company, he then resigned from the military service and was appointed 
Superintendent of the Eastern Division of the Philadelphia and Erie 
Railroad, with his office at Williamsport, and assumed charge on June 
I, 1864; in this position he remained until March, 1873, being detailed 
temporarily in 1S65 to manage the Oil Creek Railroad, during the 
great oil excitement of that period. 



434 MEN OF MARK. 

In tlu; auluinn of 1S71, tlic authorities of the Pennsylvania Railroad 
were requested by the Russian Government to designate a skilful 
officer to accompany the Grand Duke Alexis, and be responsible for 
his safety in an extended railway journey which he proposed to take 
through the country. Mr. Thomson was honored by their selection, 
and the details were left to his judgment. Under his direction one 
special train, fitted up with every convenience and comfort, was taken 
through the Eastern States and Canada, westward to Denver, thence 
south to New Orleans, and thence to Pensacola, run as a " special " 
over the various roads, an entire distance of six thousand mile.s, 
without any mishap or accident. In acknowledgment of their obliga- 
tion to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, the following letter was 
addressed to the President by the Russian Admiral ; 

Pensacola, Febn/ary 22d, 1872. 

Sir; — On arriving at the end of his journey. His Imperial Highness, the Grand 
Duke .\lexis, begs me to assure you that he feels great pleasure in expressing his com- 
plete satisfaction with all the arrangements made by .Mr. Frank Thomson. To 
conduct a large party over nearly six thousand miles of railway, belonging to many 
different companies, without the slightest misunderstanding or delay during the whole 
journe)-, requires an amount of intelligence, experience, foresight and energy, which we 
luckily found combined in the gentleman who had charge of the expedition. I may 
add that Mr. Thomson's gentlemanly manners made him no less agreeable as a com- 
panion, than his other tjualities made him invaluable as a manager. As Mr. Frank 
Thomson has been so useful to the guest of the American Nation, I trust you will not 
regret having been for some time deprived of his services. 

I am sir, your most obedient servant, 

[sn;NED,] C. POSSIET. 

To J. EDGAR 'IHOM.SON, 

J'n-siilent Pennsylvania Railrpad, Phihuh'lphia. * 

Whilst -Superintendent of the Eastern Division, Mr. Thomson initiated 
some valuable improvements in the construction of the roadway, and 
organized a system of track inspection, competitive in its nature 
which lias been adopted on the entire road. 

In March, 1873, he was promoted to the rank of Superintendent of 
Motive Power on the Pennsylvania Railroad, which placed under his 
charge all the various work shops of the entire line, and all of the 
rolling stock of all descriptions, together with over one thousand 
engines in active service. 

On July I St, 1874, he was appointed the General Manager of the 
Pennsylvania Railroad extending from New York to Pittsburgh with 
various lines, of the Philadelphia and blrie Road from .Sunbury to 



FRANK THOMSON. 435 

Erie, of the Northern Central Railroad, and Baltimore and Potomac 
Railroad, extending from Washington and Baltimore to Canandaigua, 
New York, and of the West Jersey Railroad, comprising a total under 
one control of twenty-three hundred miles ; and these duties he is now 
successfully discharging. 

Such a record deserves a place among any archives of men of our 
valley, and is an evidence that the descendants of our good stock 
possess those high traits which animated their grandsires a century 
ago, whilst they are fully alive to the demands of the progress of 
to-day. Although quick and incisive in manner in business, Frank 
Thomson is a genial, kindly gentleman, refined in all his tastes, an ap- 
preciative lover of music, fully alive to the charm of good art, and a 
friend of culture in all its branches. 



MAJOR GENERAL S. W. CRAWFORD. 

AKING our Generals as a class, they presented some of the 
finest figures of men, such as a country might well be proud 
of. At the head of these stands the splendid Hooker and 
the "superb" Hancock; but alongside of them deserves to rank a 
Division Commander, who, for capable and faithful performance of 
duly certainly had no superior. That officer was Major General S. W. 
Crawford, now Colonel Second United States Infantry. 

Tall, well-formed, in due proportion, strongly knit, erect, active and, 
'as all well-made men are, graceful, he is worthy to be selected as a 
representative of our Volunteer superior officers. 

Samuel Wylie Crawford is a Pennsylvanian by birth, born in 
Franklin county, a student of the State University, and a graduate of 
the class of 1846; a graduate of the Medical Department of that first 
class institution, in 1S50, which, in 1867, conferred upon him the 
degree of LL. D. The same year he was examined by the United 
States Army Medical Board, and stood first in the class of 1850. 

His first commission in the United States service as Assistant Sur- 
geon, is dated loth March, 1851, and he served in Texas from 1851 to 
1853, and in New Mexico, from 1S53 to 1856. Six years of frontier 
life! How were these employed? As in too many cases, wasted or 
worse? Not so! These six years were devoted to the practice of his 
profession and to scientific research. 

Witness his paper, now in the Smithsonian Institute, upon the Flora 
and Fauna of the region near the headwaters of the Rio San Saba, 
published by order of Congress, and his collecdons of natural history, 
in the then wild and unexplored territory around El Paso del Norte. 

In 1856, the War Department conceded permission for a tour 
through Mexico. Here again profit, and not pleasure, was the object 
of the young officer. In January, 1857, he was the first to carry a 
barometer to the summit of Popocatapetl, (the Volcan Grande de 
Mexico,) accomplishing the arduous task accompanied by a single 
guide. A Prussian scientific party, sent out under the auspices of 
their government to confirm the discoveries of Humboldt, having given 
out, the actual measurement of the American volunteer philosopher, 
was the one reported by the Prussian accredited agent. Not content 
with his first achievement, Crawford again ascended the volcano, 



MAJOR GENERAL S. W. CRAWFORD. 43; 

remained all night in the crater, was let down by cords into its depths, 
and brought back valuable mineralogical specimens now in the col- 
lection at West Point. He next climbed to the snowy crown of " The 
White Woman," Iztuchihuad, (the Sierra Nevada de Mexico,) and 
settled the vexed question, that this mountain was no volcano, demon- 
stratino- that no crater existed. For these explorations he was made 
a member of the Geographical Society of Mexico- 
August, i860, found him in Fort Moultrie, Charleston harbour. 
After crossing over on the memorable night of the 26th of December, 
with Anderson, to Fort Sumter, Crawford returned on the morning oi 
the 27th, to Fort Moultrie, and remo^fed thence the ammunition, &c., 
and hospital supplies. Thenceforward he discharged double duty, his 
own proper functions and those connected with the command of a 
battery, whose three guns were the first to open fire on Fort Moultrie 
in response to the Rebel bombardment which ushered in the Great 
American Conflict. In a letter, remarkable for the warmth as well as 
force of its expression, General Anderson recommended Crawford to 
the consideration of the War Department and asked that he be 
brevetted for his services. 

Appointed Major 13th U. S. Infantry, upon the recommendation of 
General Scott, Crawford was sent to serve with Rosecrans in West 
Virginia. He made Crawford his Inspector General, and the subor- 
dinate justified the superior's selection. Had not " the stars in their 
courses fought against" him, Crawford would have accomplished the 
passage of the New river, on Floyd's flank — a severe test of skill and 
daring. That he failed was no fault of his ; and such an estimate did 
Rosecrans put on the ability displayed by Crawford, that he recom- 
mended him for one of the two appointments as Brigadier General, 
whose nomination rested with him (Rosecrans.) 

On the 28th of February, 1862, Crawford received his commission 
as Brigadier General. His first service was with Banks in the Shenan- 
doah valley. His first active command was the First Brigade. First 
Division, Fifth Corps, with whom he led the advance into Virginia. 

Crawford's first appearance on the battle field was at Cedar Moun- 
tain. This was on the 9th of August, 1862. On this occasion, he, with 
his little brigade on the extreme rig-ht, was ordered to charge across 
a wide opening into woods held by a large Confederate force. Never- 
theless he drove the enemy from their strong positions ; and had he 
been adequately supported, this would have been the decisive move- 
ment of the day. As it was, Crawford lost over half his effective force ; 
and if our army did not win a victory, Crawford won the admiration of 
•28 



g MEN OF MARK. 

all coo-nizant of the facts, and demonstrated that he was eminently 
worthy of tlie star which the prescient intelligence of Rosecrans had 
deemed him worthy to receive. Throughout the Pope campaign — a 
campaign fought with surpassing constancy and courage — Crawford 
did his duty as a gallant anil an able Brigadier. 

His next appearance in action was as an agent in one of the most 
glorious feats of arms which illustrate the records of the Army of the 
Potomac, when he led in his West Virginia brigade to support that 
victorious assault in which the noble Reno fell, paying, although a 
Virginian, "the last full measure of devotion " to his country, in Fox, 
next Turner's Gap, of the ScRith Mountain; on that bright battle' 
Sabbath, not brighter than the scene and triumph, 14th Septen>ber, 

1862. 

Three days later he succeeded to the command of (his) the First 
Division, after the fall of the good, devoted and intrepid Mansfield; 
and, after assisting to carry the blood-drenched corn field in front of 
the Dunker Church — that ebb and flow of slaughter on our right at 
Antietam — Crawford received a wound which consigned him to in- 
action for the ensuing nine montlis, and bids fair to cripple him for 
the rest of his life. 

As soon as — nay, before — he was fully fit for active duty, on his own 
application for field service, at the special request of the Governor of 
Pennsylvania, Crawford was placed in command of the Division! com- 
prising three Brigades from his native State, known as the " Pennsyl- 
vania Reserves." 

Towards the close of the second day — the great day which de- 
termined that the decisive batde of the war at the east — perhaps the 
decisive batde of the whole war — should be fought at Gettysburg, and 
fought out TiiEKE, Crawford arrived on the field just as the glorious old 
fighting Third Corps, sacrificed at Williamsburg, on the Peninsula, in 
the Pope campaign, amid the harvest of death at Chancellorsville, was 
being cut to pieces, not driven but pressed back from the position the 
maintenance of which had cost such hecatombs of its best and bravest, 
having been reduced from a strong Corps to a weak Division. Seizing 
the colours of his leading regiment as they fell from the wounded hand 
of the bearer, Crawford bore them aloft on his saddle, and, like the 
first Bonaparte at Areola, the great Austrian Archduke at Aspern, 
and the Russian Bayard at the bridge of Licco, led on a charge which 
retrieved our desperate affairs on the left. 

If the writer's many years' study of military history entitles his 
judgment to any rcspoct, he would be false to his own convictions if he 



MAJOR GENERAL S. IV. CRAIVEORD. 439 

did not claim for Crawford all the honours due to a resultive " feat of 
intrepidity." 

When the sublime charge of the enemy had resulted in glorious 
annihilation, Crawford was the first to assume the aggressive, which, 
had it been imitated, or, rather, had its imitation been permitted, the 
retreat of Lee from the field on which he made his mightiest and most 
desperate throw, would have been converted into a catastrophe, such 
as his allowed escape deferred until the hunt from Petersburg to 
Appomattox Court House. 

In the ensuing "campaign of manoeuvres;" in that blood bath 
from the Rapidan to the James ; in that dreary series of operations 
dignified with the tide of the " siege of Petersburg — Richmond," 
Crawford commanded his Division with dignity and ability. 

The vastness of the field ; the intensity of the labors ; the sufferings 
and the fighting ; the thousand accidents which smelted the actions of 
the different Divisions into an amalgam ; which rendered the detection 
difficult of even the richest constituents ; all this, as well as space, 
render it impossible to go into details of what Crawford did, and did 
well, at the head of the Third Division, Fifth Corps, from Lee's defeat 
at Gettysburg to his surrender at Clover Hill. At Williamsport, at 
Manasses Gap, in the battles of the Wilderness, at Spotsylvania, on 
the Fredericksburg road, at Alsop's farm, at Bethesda Church, 
Crawford was on hand with his " Pennsylvania Reserves." Their 
losses attested the fidelity of their service. 

On the 31st May, 1864, the Reserves were mustered out of service, 
and Crawford was transferred to the command of a provisional 
Division — the Second Division of the Fifth Corps ; and at Cold 
Harbor, all of the regiments (22) of the old First Corps were formed 
into a Division of three Brigades, and Crawford ordered to its com- 
mand, as the Third Division. Before Petersburg, in the hard fight on 
the Weldon Railroad, and in the labyrinthine maze of Hatcher's run, 
Crawford did his best to support his comrades, his commander, and 
associate corps. Shortly after he was brevetted Major General of 
Volunteers. 

In the second expedition to Hatcher's run, Crawford, judging from 
Lee's report, performed efficient service. As a demonstration of the 
estimation in which he was held, he was at this time ofifered the com- 
mand of the Cavalry of the Army of the Potomac, by Major General 
Meade. Early in the war, in his reconnoissance to Luray, he had 
shown a marked capacity for the handling of this " arm of the 
moment." He declined the honour, preferring to remain with his 



.^o ^^^^' OF MARK. 

Division. This he led with marked abiHty at Gravelly Run, and at F"ive 
Forks, where lie struck the rear- of the enemy, and for his gallant 
behavior in the latter conflict, he was commended by Sheridan in his 
report, and subsequently brevetted Brigadier General in the United 
States Army, and afterwards Major General in the I'nited States 
Army, for gallant and meritorious services during the war 

Upon the reorganization of the Infantry of the Army, in the spring 
of 1869, when that arm of the service was reduced from forty-five to 
twenty-five regiments, Crawford was selected, although the last 
Colonel upon the list, and was promoted to command the Second 
Re^nment of Infantry. On the 2 2d of February, 1869, he was pro- 
moted to the Colonelcy of the Sixteenth Infantry, and upon the 
reorcanization of the Infantry, when the .Sixteenth and Second 
Regiments were consolidated, in April, 1869, he was assigned to the 
conunand of the new Second Infantry. 

(General Crawford was retired from the United States Army, Feb- 
ruary 19th, 1873, by reason of disability, resulting from a wound 
received at the batde of Andetam, September 17th, 1872, with the 
rank of Brevet Major General. He visited Europe in the spring of 
1873, and was handsomely received in the various counties through 
which he extended his tour. In the spi'ing of 1875, he again visited 
Europe, as a delegate from the New York Geographical Society to 
the Geographical Congress then about to meet at Paris. He is a 
member of the Academy of Sciences, Historical Society, &c., and is at 
this time pursuing his foreign travels. 




DR. ISAAC WAYNE SNOWDEN. 

HE subject of this sketch, who for many years was one of the 
most prominent physicians, not only in the Cumberland valley 
but in the state, was born at Harrisburg on the 4th day of 
March, 1796. His father, the Rev. Nathaniel Randolph Snowden, was 
at that time pastor of the Presbyterian Churches at Harrisburg, Derry 
and Paxton. When Isaac was quite a youth his father returned to 
Philadelphia, where for four generations his family had resided. 

Dr. Snowden was the eldest of si.x children, of whom four, includine 
himself, studied and subsequendy practised medicine. James Ross, his 
youngest brother, turned his attention to the law, and has since 
occupied many places of honour and trust. His only sister, Mary 
Parker Snowden, was married to the late distinguished Chief Justice 
Thompson, of the Supreme Court. Dr. Snowden received both his 
academical and medical education at the l-niversity of Pennsylvania. 
Shordy after leaving the University in the year 181 6, he was appointed 
Assistant Surgeon in the United States Army, and ordered to report 
for duty at Sackett's Harbor. He remained for a brief period only at 
this post, when he was ordered to join the army under General 
Jackson then operating against the Seminole Indians in Florida. On 
his joining the army Dr. Snowden was assigned to duty at Head- 
Quarters, and became a member of Gen. Jackson's military family. 
From that period until the death of " Old Hickory," there existed 
between them the warmest personal friendship. So late as February 
7th, 1844, Gen. Jackson, in writing to a gendeman in Pennsylvania, 
desired to be "especially remembered to his (my) old friend and 
companion, Dr. Snowden." 

The limited space assigned for this sketch precludes the possibility 
of giving more than a passing glance at the services rendered by Dr. 
Snowden during the Florida campaign. He was in Fort Scott when 
it was besieged, by the Indians, when the inmates were reduced to a 
pint of corn per day. And although his dudes as Surgeon were 
special, yet his noble spirit would not permit him to remain an inactive 
spectator when so many of his brave companions were in deadly 
conflict with a relentless and bloody foe. He therefore joined heartilv 
in the defence wherever his duties as Surgeon would permit. Whilst 






,^2 MEN OF MARK. 

thus cn^;ij4ccl he was severely wounded, which did not prevenl him, 
liowever, from assisting in the defence until the Fort was relieved. 

He participated in the subsequent campaign and was present with 
Jackson at the decisive batde of the Horseshoe, where the Indians 
were defeated after a long and desperate struggle. 

In 1823, Dr. Snowden resigned from the army and resumed the 
practice of his profession in Mifflin county, Pa. In a brief period he 
acquired a large and lucrative practice, extending into the neighbour- 
ing counties. In 1832, he was united in marriage to Miss Margary B. 
Louden, youngest daughter of Archibald Louden, Esq., whose family 
were among the earliest settlers, and largest land owners in the 
Cumberland valley. Shordy after his marriage Dr. Snowden removed 
to Cumberland county, near the birth place of his wife, and there 
remained in active practice until his death, which occurred June 4th, 
1850. Dr. Snowden was the type of a Chrisdan gentleman, and died 
respected and beloved by all who knew him. He was an Elder in the 
Presbyterian Church, in which his ancestors for generations had been 
prominent as laymen and ministers. His father was one of four 
brothers who graduated at Princeton and all of whom were ministers 
in the same church. 

Dr. Snowden had five children, two sons and three daughters. One 
of the latter still resides with her mother in the old homestead. The 
second son. Col. A. Louden Snowden, is now and has been for many 
years, an officer in the United States Mint at Philadelphia. He is also 
prominently identified with many of the most important interests of 
the city, and is justly esteemed one of her most valued citizens. He 
is a graduate of Jefferson College, Pa., and is a gentleman of fine 
literary culture, genial, popular manners, and growing influence. 



GENERAL D. B. McKIBBIN. 




EREMIAH McKIBBIN, born in the county of Antrim, Ireland, 
at an early period settled upon the spot now occupied by the 
depot of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, at Newville. He 
was married to Mary Chambers, of Chambersburg. 

Chambers McKibbin, his youngest son, and father of the subject of 
this sketch, alone survives him. He was born in 1798, at Newville, 
and married Jane Bell, of Shippensburg. Mrs. McKibbin was born 
in 1S02, died In 1873, and was very highly and widely esteemed for 
her womanly and Christian virtues. Mr. McKibbin's life fully illus- 
trates the cosmopolitan traits of the American character, having been 
farmer, financier and politician. He enjoyed the friendship and confi- 
dence of all the Democratic leaders of his time, and has been an 
active and influential citizen of Pennsylvania.' He was Assistant 
Quarter Master at Pittsburg, under President Jackson, Postmaster in 
the same city, under President Polk, Naval Officer at Philadelphia, 
under President Buchanan, and Assistant Treasurer of the United 
States at the same city, under President Johnson, and at this time, in 
his 78th year, is a member of the Senate of Pennsylvania. His life 
has been a remarkable and unblemished one, and is now crowned with 
a green old age. Jeremiah, the eldest son of Mr. McKibbin, after 
spending several years in Me.xico, settled in Philadelphia, became an 
active politician, was the nominee of the Democratic party for Sheriff, in 
1864, and is now proprietor of the Girard House in that city. William, 
second son, died in Philadelphia in 1868, his death being gready 
lamented by his numerous friends. 

D. B. McKibbin, sixth child, was born in 1831. He served a cam- 
paign in the Mexican War when sixteen years of age. He was 
appointed Second Lieutenant, Ninth Infantry, on its organization, 
March 31st, 1855. The regiment was sent to the Pacific coast, and 
Company H, under the command of Lieutenant McKibbin, was in a 
desperate and successful Indian fight before the close of a year. He 
served continuously in Washington Territory against the Indians, and 
on the North Western Boundary Survey until 1861, when he was pro- 
moted to a First Lieutenantcy, and ordered, on the outbreak of the 
Rebellion, to Washington. He was appointed Captain Fourteenth U. 
S. Infantry, in May of that year, for gallant services against the 



,,A .I/A'.V OF MARK. 

Indians. In l'"('l)ruar\-, 1862. he took the field with his regiment as 
second in command, having been appointed Assistant Field Officer, by 
(ieneral McClellan. He served with the Army of the Potomac through 
all the batdes of the Peninsula until after the batde of Malvern Hill, 
when he took command of the Second Battalion of his regiment, which 
command he held until after the batde of Antietam, when sickness 
compelled him to leave the held for a short time. 

In the following November, he took command of the One Hundred 
and Fifty-Eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, a nine months' regiment, 
servine in V'iry-inia and North Carolina. When this X'olunteer Regi- 
ment was mustered out, he returned to the regular service in command 
of the Second Battalion, and remained with them in the Army of the 
Potomac until lune 2d, 1864, when he was captured at Bethesda 
Church, Va., imprisoned in Libby, in Macon, Georgia, and in Charles- 
ton, S. C, in the last place, under the fire of our own guns during the 
bombardment. On his return h^om prison, he took command of the 
Eighth Union League (214th Pennsylvania Volunteer) Regiment, which 
commantl he retained until the end ol the war. He was brevetted 
five times, viz: Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel and Brev. Brigadier 
General of the Regular Army, and Brev. Brigadier General of Volun- 
teers. He is now Major of Cavalry. 

General McKibbin was highly and deservedly complimented by 
distinguished officers of the army, (jeneral Meade refers to him as 
" frequently distinguished for conspicuous gallantry in battle." Gen. 
Warren tesdfies to his " gallantry and noble disregard of personal 
danger." General Sykes says: "There was no more promising )oung 
officer in the Division of regulars, and no one that I would sooner 
have selected for any operation in which dash, energy and enterprise 
were required." And General Ayres, pronounced him " especially 
distinguished for gallantry and good conduct at the North Anna and 
Bethesda Church, at the latter of which he was captured." Several of 
General McKibbin's brothers deserve notice here for their valuable 
military services. 

Joseph C. McKibbin, third son, was a lawyer by profession, emigrated 
to California in 1849, and served in the Senate of that State in 1852 
and 1853. He was appointed Superintendent of Public Buildings in 
■'^53- ^y President Pierce, elected to the Thirty-Fifth Congress in 1856. 
In 1 861, he was appointed Colonel of Cavalry by President Lincoln, 
serving in tlie armies of the Southwest and Centre, was acdng 
Ins])ector of the Army of the Cumberland under Major General Rose- 
crans and Major General (ieorge H. Thomas, from both of whom. 



GEN. D. /.', McKIBIUN. 



445 



officially and unofficially, he received most flattering notice lor his 
" efficiency, gallantry and fearlessness in battle," as well as for his 
"distinguished integrity of purpose." 

Robert P. McKibbin, eighth child, born in 1834, was a lawyer Ijy 
profession. At the first call of the President for 75,000 three months' 
volunteers in 1861, he enlisted in a volunteer company in Philadelphia 
as private. He was elected Second Lieutenant, served until their dis- 
charge, when he was given a Second Lieutenant's commission in 
the Fourth United States Infantry for meritorious servicfc. He served 
with his regiment m the Army of the Potomac throughout the war, 
and was repeatedly complimented in despatches for gallant conduct. 
He was twice very severely wounded, and brevetted three times, as 
Captain, Major and Lieutenant Colonel. He came out of the war 
as full Captain. During part of 1864, he served on the Staff of Major 
General Crittenden, who spoke of him as one of the most brilliant and 
daring officers he had met during the war. 

Chambers McKibbin, thirteenth and youngest child, born in 1840, 
accompanied as a citizen his brother's regiment to the field. At the 
battle of Gaines' Mill, having volunteered his services to the Fourteenth 
Infantry, which were refused, he dressed himself in the uniform of a 
private soldier, and performed such acts of gallantry, that he was 
recommended by every officer present in the regiment tor promotion 
to a commission, except by his brother, who disapproved of it, as the 
vacancies were left open for men who enlisted and distinguished them- 
selves. At this battle Chambers was shot in the face, and before his 
wound had properly healed, he enlisted in the regiment, and was pro- 
moted to a Lieutenantcy for gallant conduct the following September. 
He continued with his regiment until the close ot the war, having 
been severely wounded on three occasions. He was complimented 
for bravery in every battle in which he took part, was brevetted Cap- 
tain, and afterwards, for gallant and meritorious services, was promoted 
to Captain in the Thirty-fifth Infantry. He is now Captain of the 
Fifteenth Infantry. 




THOMAS B. KENNEDY, ESQ. 

IIOMAS B. KENNEDY was born in August, 1S27, in Warren 
Sq county, New Jersey. 

His father, Hon. James J. Kennedy, removed, in 1839, to 
Chambcrsburg!" Pa., in tlie academy of wliich town the son was fitted 
for college. He entered the Sophomore Class of Marshall College, at 
fourteen, and graduated with honours in 1844. He read law with the 
Hon. Alexander Thomson, of Chambersburg, and was admitted to the 
Franklin county bar in 184S. The ne.xt year he crossed the plains as 
die leader of a company bound for California. There he entered upon 
the practice of law, in Downieville. In 1851, he returned to Chambers- 
burg, opened an office, and speedily grew into practice. He served 
one term as District Attorney with general approbation. He married 
Miss Arianna Riddle, granddaughter of the Hon. James Riddle, and 
spent a year in traveling in Europe. 

On his return, Mr. Kennedy became the partner of the Hon. James 
Nill, one of the leading practitioners of that day. The business of the 
firm rapidly increased, so that upon the election of Judge Nill to the 
bench of the district, in 1862, his partner found himself in control of 
the largest and most lucrative practice at that bar, which he has 
steadily maintained ever since. Notwithstanding the incessant labours 
of his [jrofcssional life, and the demands upon his time, arising from the 
care ot his large private estate, he has been prominently identified with 
every movement tending to the advancement of the section of the 
country in which he resides. While aiding liberally in all local 
measures, as a Trustee of the Academy, one of the originators and 
founders of Wilson College, and one of the Board of Management, he has 
effectively aided the cause of education. The two railroads recently 
completed in Franklin county, owe their success in a great measure to 
his infiuencc and public spirit. He has lately been elected President of 
the Cumberland Valley Railroad, and of the Southern Pennsylvania 
Road. 




GENERAL CLEMENT A. FINLEY. 

|AMUEL FINLEY, father of the subject of this sketch, was 
of Scotch-Irish descent, and was educated in the family of 
his uncle, the Rev. Dr. Samuel Finley, President of Princeton 
College. He was a Major in the Virginia line during the Revolu- 
tionary War, was taken prisoner at the battle of Long Island, and was 
confined in the Jersey Prison Ship. In the war of 1812, he commanded 
a regiment of Mounted Riflemen ordered to the frontier to protect the 
peaceable Indians, after Hull's surrender. He was also a receiver of 
public moneys, from the sale of public lands, during the administration 
of President Washington. 

General Clement A. Finley was born in Newville, Cumberland 
county, Pa., in 1797, graduated at Washington College, in the same 
state, studied medicine in Chillicothe, Ohio, and received his diploma 
in the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. 
Finley entered the army August loth, 1818, as Surgeon's Mate of the 
First Regiment of Infantry, commanded by Colonel Daniel Bissell, then 
stationed at Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He subsequently filled the posi- 
tions of Assistant Surgeon, and Surgeon, and was Medical Director in 
the field, with Generals Jessup, Scott, and Taylor, in the Black Hawk, 
Seminole, and Mexican Wars. He spent nearly eight years on the 
frontier of Arkansas, Louisiana and Florida, accompanied the commands 
that established Forts Leavenworth, Jefferson Barracks, and Gibson, 
and went with General Dodge on one of the earliest expeditions to the 
Rocky Mountains, in 1834. At these points, away from all the enjoy- 
ments of civilized society, the monotony of camp life found relief in 
the excitement of the chase, in company with such men as Colonel 
Bonneville, (whose " Expedition to the Rocky Mountains " was written 
from his notes by Washington Irving,) General Harney, and Captain 
Martin Scott, all famous hunters and gallant officers. It is a treat 
which General Finley's friends sometimes enjoy, to hear him relate his 
adventures among the Indians, and in the pursuit of the deer and 
buffalo. 

In 1 86 1, at the commencement of the Rebellion, he succeeded 
General Lawson, as Surgeon General of the United States Army. 
Having served his country honourably and acceptably forty-four years, 
he retired from active service upon his own application. The com- 



,,^ MRN OF MARK 

mission ol' l'.r(\(l liri^adicr (k-nrral was given him by the Presidenl, 
on his retiremeiU, for long and failhhil service. 

Dr. iMnley is a tine specimen of a Christian gentleman. His appear- 
ance is commanding and impressive. Though now advanced in years 
he retains the vigour of manhood, and the graceful bearing of the sol- 
dier. Modest and retiring, he yet is the centre of many strong friend- 
ships and attachments. He is by religious profession a Presbyterian, 
and his long and useful life has ever been adorned by Christian fidelity. 
His two brothers, James and John K., both entered the medical pro- 
fession, and attained eminence. The former is now deceased, and the 
latter, who was once Professor of Chemistry in 1 )ickinson College, now 
resides in Niles, Michigan. His sister, Martha, is the widow of the 
late distinguished Rev. William L. McCalla, of Philadelphia. 

Dr. Finley married, in early life, P^lizabeth, daughter of Dr. Samuel 
Moore, at that time Director of the United .States Mint, and formerly 
a member of Congress from Rucks county. Pa. 




COL. WILLIAM McFUNN PENROSE, 

ILDEST son of the Hon. Charles B. Penrose, was born in 



I g^fji Carhsle, Pa., March 29th, 1825. He graduated at Dickinson 
College in July, 1844, at once devoted himself to the study of 
law, and two years after he had received his degree ot A. B., entered 
upon his chosen profession in his native place. He rapidly secured 
reputation and practice, and soon became a leader at a Bar celebrated 
for its learning and ability. In 1858, he was married to Valeria, 
daughter of General Charles Merchant of the United States Army. 

At the breaking out of the Rebellion, Mr. Penrose joined the Penn- 
sylvania Reserves, and was elected Colonel of the^Si-xth Regiment. 
His constitution, however, was entirely unfitted for the exposure of the 
camp, and he laid here the foundation ot the indisposition which 
eventually cut short his life at an early aoe. After participating in the 
active campaign, and distinguishing himself at the battle of Drainsville, 
one of the first successes on our side in the War, he was obliged to 
resign on account of severe ill health from which he never entirely 
recovered. 

In the community in which he lived. Colonel Penrose was universally 
beloved for his many noble qualities. Generous to a fault, and with a 
heart full of sympathy for the weaknesses and sufterings of others, his 
aid and counsel were sought by great numbers of people totally unable 
ever to remunerate him lor his professional services. As a lawyer 
he was learned, quick in his perceptions, cogent in argument, highly 
gifted as a speaker, and very successful. 

Col. Penrose died on Sept. 2d, 1872, after a short illness, but really 
from the effects of his military service during the War. His demise 
was greatly deplored. The entire bar assembled in the court room to 
pay a tribute to his memory. The Hon. James H. Graham, Judge 
Junkin, A. B. Sharpe, Esq., R. M. Henderson, M. C. Herman, Lemuel 
Todd, W. H. Miller, and C. E. Maglaughlin, Esq., eulogised in 
strongest terms the personal qualities, social virtues and professional 
ability of the lamented dead. Judge Graham referred to the deceased, 
as " the kind and amiable Penrose, removed in the prime of his life, in 
the midst of his usefulness, and in the enjoyment of a large and lucra- 
tive practice, well merited by a life of untiring labour and research in 



. -„ MEN OF MARK. 

acquiring a knowledge of legal science surpassed by few of his age." 
And Judge Junkin said, "his astuteness, vigour of thought, and keen- 
ness of perception in grasping the result of a principle, and then 
wielding it with a steady hand, I have never seen surpassed." 

The meeting, which subsequendy, as a body, attended the funeral 
of their brother, unanimously expressed their opinion and feeling of 
his character and worth as follows : 

" Resolved, That by indefatigable industry, unremitting devotion to the study of 
tlic law, united with a calm temper, aud uniform courtesy of manner, this able lawyer 
has left behind him a reputation which will long live in the recollections of the Bar and 
the community. 

^^ Resolved, That we feel with deep sensibility the loss we have sustained by the deatli 
of Mr. Penrose, who has for a quarter of a century been actively engaged in his profes- 
sion in our midst, for whose professional attainments we entertain the highest respect, 
and for whose estimable ([ualities as a man we have the most profound regard." 




RIGHT REV. SAMUEL A. McCOSKRY. 

jHE REV. SAMUEL A. McCOSKRY, was born in Carlisle, 
November 4th, 1804, his father being an eminent physician of 
that place, and his mother a daughter of the Rev. Dr. Charles 
Nisbet, President of Dickinson College. 

At the age of fifteen he was appointed a Cadet. As a student he 
had a eood standino- rankingf fourth in his class. He remained at the 
institution nearly two years. 

The loss of Mr. McCoskry's brothers changed the direction of his 
life. He resigned, and became a student at Dickinson College. He 
entered the college near the close of the Freshman year, and graduated 
fourth in his class. He then studied law with Andrew Carothers, of 
Carlisle, and was admitted to the bar. After practising his profession 
one year, he was appointed Deputy Attorney General for Cumberland 
county, and held this office two years. 

After practising law six years, Mr. McCoskry relinquished the Bar, 
and entered upon a course of Theological study under Bishop Onder- 
donk, of Pennsylvania. In one year he was called to be Rector of 
Christ (Protestant Episcopal) Church, Reading, Pa. After labouring 
a year in that charge, he was called to St. Paul's Church, Philadelphia. 
Here he remained two years, being consecrated, July 9th, 1836, Pro- 
testant Episcopal Bishop of Michigan. 

Bishop McCoskry has presided over that diocese nearly forty years, 
and is now, by consecration, the oldest Bishop in the Anglican com- 
munion in the world, with one exception. His diocese grew to such 
an extent, that it was found necessary to divide it, and now there are 
two Protestant Episcopal Bishops in the State of Michigan. In Detroit 
there are ten parishes, and five missionary stations. 

Bishop McCoskry is of tall, commanding figure, genial manners, 
cultivated tastes and decided character ; he has ever enjoyed a large 
degree of popular favour. He is generally regarded as in sympathy 
with the ''High Church" section of his denomination. He has done 
his work as Bishop well, and placed on the Church's register an excel- 
lent record. 



WILLIAM T. SNODGRASS. 

ijji^TCQlIJJAM T. SNODGRASS, merchant, was born in Shippens- 
ipfWyll buri^, on September lyth, 1.S13. He was of Scotch-Irish 
'^'^^^^ descent. His father, William Snodgrass, was an extensive 
merchant in Cumberland county, and was a man of precision and 
sterling integrity. 

At the age of thirteen he entered his father's store to be initiated 
into the routine of business, where he learned that systematic and 
prompt management of business matters which characterized him 
through life. At fifteen, he was left alone in Philadelphia, but, shun- 
nino- evil associations, he spent his leisure time in study, and for five 
years it was his custom to devote three hours daily to mental culture. 
.Starting with a capital of a few dollars, and refusing all aid from rich 
or poor relatives, by the power of his own industry, energy and merit, 
he rose to the highly creditable position which he occupied in the 
mercantile world. The fine building at the northwest corner of Ninth 
and Market Streets, Philadelphia, is a worthy monument to the ability 
of a man who carved out his own fortune, and educated to his business 
forty-nine young men. He never joined a club nor endorsed any 
paper outside of his business, which he made a lile-time work, seeming 
hilly determined to wear out rather than rust out. 

Mr. .Snodgrass was a member of the Board of Trade in the city in 
which he so long resided, and was a prominent and useful member of 
the West Arch Street Presbyterian Church. 

Whilst Mr. Snodgrass was by birth, training and conviction, a Pres- 
byterian, his religious sentiments were liberal, and he was strongly 
disposed to fraternize with and aid all evangelical Christians. Exact- 
ing as an employer, he placed every young man upon his own merit, 
but his active sympathy with all that concerned them drew them near 
to him and made them feel that in him they had more than a friend. 
To the world generally he was a pleasant, courteous and benevolent 
gendmnan. He departed this life in the autumn of 1874, and his 
mortal remains now slumber in the beautiful cemetery ot Laurel Hill. 



